Why PREBiotics ..?

First there was protein:

Protein has been the star ingredient in energy bars, snacks and powders to add to drinks and cereals for quite some time. As someone who eats a plant-based diet, finding alternative and enough sources of protein without having to eat huge volumes of food can be challenging, so enter the protein powder, from rice, peas, soy just to name a few.

While the protein gives you the ingredients to support muscles and their growth, to fuel your metabolism and to help you feel full ... WE believe the body, the mind and the digestive system needs to be supported holistically. So, we also add prebiotics to our snacks and treats to make sure you feel invincible.

What are Prebiotics?

While you’ve probably heard of probiotics, a group of microorganisms that maintain and improve the good bacteria in the gut, those microorganisms need the right food too! Prebiotics act as food for these good bacteria. Prebiotics are a type of dietary fibre (also called Inulin) that is not digestible by the human body. It feeds the beneficial bacteria in our gut, promoting a healthy gut microbiome. A healthy gut microbiome has been linked to many health benefits, such as improved digestion, immune function, and even mental health as the this microbiome has been linked to mood regulation and the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin.

Benefits of Prebiotics:

Prebiotics have also been found to help regulate blood sugar levels, which is especially important for people with diabetes. They have also been linked to reducing inflammation in the body, which is a key factor in many chronic diseases. Prebiotics ultimately increase the amount of fibre in food; High-fibre diets are associated with weight maintenance and weight loss. A study investigating the effect of inulin on hunger, fullness (satiety), and the amount of food consumed at the next meal found that that six grams of added inulin can be as filling as 260 calories, supporting the hypothesis that dietary fibre such as inulin plays a role in weight management or weight loss by helping control food intake.**

Where to find& how to use prebiotics:

Prebiotics are found naturally in many foods, such as chicory root, Jerusalem artichokes, garlic, onions, leeks, agave, asparagus, bananas, and apples. It is important to note that while prebiotics are not digested by the human body, they do undergo fermentation in the colon, which can lead to gas and bloating in some individuals.

In prehistoric times, when we were eating far more vegetables and gnawing at roots — it’s estimated that our ancestors consumed about 135 grams of inulin a day*. Given what our digestive levels are now accustomed, we no longer need or likely would tolerate this level of fibre. But we can realistically reach much lower levels that still promote health benefits.

Five grams of inulin a day will boost the growth of the probiotic Bifidobacteria in your gut. Eight grams or more will improve calcium absorption and building up to twelve grams of inulin a day has been shown to help promote regular bowel movements.

Any time you increase your fibre intake, do so gradually to give your body a chance to adjust.

Overall, prebiotics are a promising area of research that could have important implications for our health and well-being. By consuming prebiotic-rich foods or supplements, we can promote a healthy gut microbiome and potentially reduce our risk for a variety of health conditions.

* Leach JD, Sobolik KD. High dietary intake of prebiotic inulin-type fructans in the prehistoric Chihuahuan Desert. Br J Nutr. 2010 Jun;103(11):1558-61. doi: 10.1017/S0007114510000966. Epub 2010 Apr 26. PMID: 20416127.

** Perrigue MM, Monsivais P, Drewnowski A. Added soluble fiber enhances the satiating power of low-energy-density liquid yogurts. J Am Diet Assoc 2009;109:1862-8.