5 Prebiotics to Boost Immunity and Aid Weight Loss

Prebiotics are known to boost immunity and aid in weight loss.

Prebiotics are essentially food for beneficial bacteria.

Examples include fiber and oligosaccharides.

Rather than acting directly on the intestines, they indirectly support gut health by serving as nourishment for beneficial gut bacteria.

So, what kind of prebiotic foods are there?

< Corn >

Corn is rich in resistant starch, a type of prebiotic.

Resistant starch is also abundant in beans and oats, in addition to corn.

It travels to the large intestine and is broken down by bacteria, acting similarly to dietary fiber.

This helps with bowel movements and promotes a healthy gut. Corn is also rich in lutein, which is good for eye health.

< Onions >

Onions contain a large amount of prebiotic inulin.

Inulin helps produce butyrate, which protects the colon, and also contributes to heart health by lowering bad cholesterol levels.

Furthermore, inulin has a positive effect on blood sugar regulation, which is why it is nicknamed ‘natural insulin’.

< Walnuts >

Eating walnuts increases lactic acid bacteria, which eliminate harmful bacteria and support beneficial ones.

According to one study, consuming walnuts for a certain period also increased bacteria that produce butyrate.

Butyrate is a fatty acid that reduces inflammation and keeps the colon healthy, thus having a positive effect on our bodies.

< Apples >

The pectin in apples contributes to a healthy gut by protecting the diversity of beneficial bacteria.

Additionally, apples are rich in water and fiber, making them excellent for weight loss.

< Dark Chocolate >

Dark chocolate is rich in polyphenols, which are prebiotic antioxidants.

Polyphenols help lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria to proliferate.

Therefore, when drinking coffee in the morning, it is good to add low-fat milk and unsweetened cocoa powder.

If you prefer solid chocolate, dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa is recommended.

Source: Kormedi.com