What Are Prebiotics? List Of Food Items You Can Add To Your Meal

We read somewhere that your health is made in the kitchen, and we couldn’t agree more! Eating right can solve most issues in your life, period. And if you need help to understand what prebiotics are and what kind of food you need to include in your diet to make it prebiotic-rich, then we’re here to help. A new Italian study has revealed some everyday food sources of prebiotics for better digestion and here’s all you need to know about it.

What Are Prebiotics & How They Help Your Body

Before we get into details, let’s start by understanding what prebiotics are. To put it simply, prebiotics are compounds in food that stimulate the growth of beneficial microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi. Prebiotics are typically high-fiber foods and the most common environment concerning their effects on human health is the gastrointestinal tract. This is where prebiotics can alter the composition of organisms in the gut microbiome.

Prebiotics are non-digestible fibres and help nourish beneficial gut bacteria. Here are some health benefits of adding prebiotics to your meals-

1. Improved digestion
2. Improved gut barrier integrity
3. Enhanced immunity
4. Weight management
5. Improved calcium absorption
6. Lower cholesterol levels
7. Improved blood sugar control

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Top Food Sources You Should Know About

In a new Italian study published in the journal Nutrients, researchers revealed which everyday foods are packed with prebiotics in them. The study revealed some examples of prebiotics are lactulose, lactosucrose, oligofructose, and insulin.

Here are some everyday food items that you can add to your meals to increase your daily dose of prebiotics –

1. Wheat bran
2. Raspberries
3. Chestnuts and chestnut flour
4. Walnuts
5. Raisins
6. Soy milk and yoghurt
7. Rye cereals
8. Root vegetables like garlic, onion, potatoes, leeks, beetroots, radish, carrots, Jerusalem artichokes, dandelion greens, and asparagus.
9. Fruits like bananas (especially unripe ones), apples, berries, and kiwis.
10. Legumes

Also Read: You Need To Throw Out THESE Kitchen Utensils. Here’s Why

We hope this information will help you make healthier lifestyle choices!

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