What are prebiotics?

Why prebiotics matter

A well-fed gut community may help with:

• digestion and metabolism
• more regular bowel movements
• better calcium absorption
• lower inflammation
• a stronger immune system

Many people eat far less fibre than their gut bacteria need, so the friendly bacteria go hungry. Getting prebiotics from everyday foods is an easy way to support your gut without buying anything special.

Prebiotics in Indian food

Eat plenty of fibre-rich foods: vegetables, fruit, whole grains, dals, beans and peas.

These are good sources:

• onion and garlic
• slightly green bananas
• boiled potatoes that have cooled, because some of their starch becomes harder to digest

Combine prebiotic foods with probiotic ones, like a bowl of dal and sabzi with dahi.

If you're not used to much fibre, increase it gradually and drink enough water so your stomach has time to adjust.