Prebiotics are a kind of dietary fiber that help promote friendly bacteria in your gut. They help make your gut a healthy and carefree environment to improve your immune system, mood and overall sense of wellbeing. And the good news is—they’re not hard to find!
Here are 6 common, tasty foods that are rich in important prebiotics.
Garlic
This tasty herb is excellent at promoting the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut and at preventing harmful ones.
Onions
This versatile vegetable strengthens gut flora and boosts the immune system as well as the cardiovascular system.
Leeks
Coming from the same family as garlic and onions, leeks are a good source of inulin and vitamin K. They can be delicious boiled, fried or roasted under the grill.
Asparagus
Asparagus is rich in prebiotics, anti-inflammatories and antioxidants. It goes very well with mashed or roast potatoes or with a vegetable soup.
Bananas
Bananas are rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber that encourage the growth of good bacteria. Unripe bananas are especially rich in resistance starch, which has prebiotic effects.
Oats
Whole oats are rich in glucan fiber and resistance starch. This promotes healthy gut bacteria and lowers cholesterol.
