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Prebiotics may improve calcium absorption

The World Health Organization defines probiotics as “live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host”. Probiotics from food result in a diversity of gut microbiota. Yogurts and kefirs (ka (short a) fear) made with live active cultures are two of the best food sources of probiotics.

Prebiotics are nondigestible, fermentable foods that stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria in the colon. Prebiotics serve as fuel for probiotics. Both prebiotics and probiotics contribute to the growth of healthy bacteria in the body. 

While still not conclusive, research is pointing toward many positive benefits from probiotics and prebiotics. There is evidence that one benefit from the ingestion of prebiotics includes enhanced calcium absorption due to a variety of indirect mechanisms.

Many plant foods are good food sources of prebiotics.  Focus on a variety of the following high to moderate prebiotic containing foods to ensure a good intake of prebiotics in your daily diet:  asparagus, garlic, leeks, onion, chicory, Jerusalem artichokes, bananas, whole grains, barley, flax, yams and sweet potatoes.

 

posted on 1/10/2016