What are Prebiotics?
Prebiotics are plant fibres that serve as a food source for your gut’s healthy bacteria. Or, as is the medical term, your gut microbiota.
Prebiotics bypass digestion and travel directly to your colon. Here, the microbiota metabolises and ferments the prebiotics for survival.
Aside from ensuring your digestive system works efficiently, this process also enhances your immune system and protects you from the risks associated with inflammation.
Prebiotics vs Probiotics – what’s the difference?
- Prebiotics - are plant fibres that humans can’t digest but serve as a food source to ensure the survival of your healthy gut bacteria.
- Probiotics are live bacteria found in certain foods or supplements, like yoghurt and sauerkraut.
In Vita Biosa we use organic sugarcane molasses and 19 different herbs, full of minerals and fibres, as prebiotics for the active probiotic bacteria. This way, you’re getting the benefits of probiotics fermented with prebiotics in each shot. However, we still recommend including lots of good Prebiotic foods in your daily diet.
Prebiotic Foods
Including a healthy quota of the foods listed below will ensure your body receives a good dose of prebiotic goodness as well.
- Apples
- Artichokes
- Asparagus
- Bananas
- Barley
- Berries
- Chicory
- Cocoa
- Dandelion greens
- Flaxseed
- Garlic
- Green vegetables
- Konjac root
- Leeks
- Legumes (peas and beans)
- Oats
- Onions
- Tomatoes
- Soybeans
- Wheat
- Yacon root
What are the General Health Effects of Prebiotics?
In addition to feeding your good gut bacteria, prebiotics can:
- Help your body absorb calcium and phosphorus, which improves bone density.
- Stabilise your blood sugar levels
- Help regulate bowel movements and prevent constipation.
- Ensure the good health of the cells that line your gut
- Support the production of neurotransmitters that message between your gut and brain and are responsible for mood changes.
- Stimulate the hormones associated with appetite and appetite suppression.
- Enhance your immune system functions.
- Enhance your body’s anti-inflammatory response.
- Promote the production of good bacteria and decrease the production of disease-causing (or bad) bacteria.