7 Reasons to Take Prebiotics - Part 2

6. Bone health - Prebiotics improve the absorption of minerals in the body, including magnesium, iron and calcium.

All of them are crucial to keeping strong bone bones and preventing fractures or osteoporosis. In one study, only 8 grams of prebiotics per day has been shown to have a great effect on the absorption of calcium in the body, leading to increased bone density.

 

7. Hormones - Studies on the "gut-brain connection" are still at an early stage, but it is clear that mood disorders such as anxiety or depression are strongly related to bowel health. Studies show that mood and hormonal balance are influenced by a combination of factors that most definitely include the condition of the bacterial living in your body.



Your bowel helps to absorb and metabolize the nutrients you eat, which are ultimately used to support the neurotransmitter functions that create hormones (such as serotonin) that control your mood and help reduce stress levels.
 
Prebiotics are predominantly found in some vegetables, some whole grains, sources of persistent starch (such as insufficiently ripened bananas) and even in honey. 

 
The main sources of prebiotics are bananas, asparagus, onions, garlic, artichokes, cabbage, white beans, bran, leek, chicory roots, dandelion.



Onion, both boiled and raw, gives a great deal of flavor to your food and also provides immune-improving antioxidants. It contains a natural source of inulin, a kind of good bacteria that fight digestion.

The advantages of garlic include cancer prevention, along with antifungal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties.


 
Look for bananas that are still greenish instead of bright yellow and well ripened.
Dandelions are another food that can be found in most grocery stores and almost all health food stores. These leafy vegetables are a great source of probiotics in addition to antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
 
Artichoke has a low glycemic index and helps control blood sugar levels.


 
The chicory root is suitable for baking as it binds the ingredients together. It is also a highly antioxidant food and a great digestion product.