What do Green Bananas and Raw White Potatoes Have in Common?

Raw white potatoes and green bananas are natural, often readily available, and inexpensive sources of prebiotic fibers. Raw white potatoes are rich in prebiotic fiber—with 10 to 12 grams per one-half medium (31⁄2 inches in diameter) potato—and contain zero sugar. (Sweet potatoes and yams have far less prebiotic fibers). Some people become so accustomed to the taste that they eat them just like an apple, although they are most commonly added to a smoothie. You can also ferment them, which gives them a slightly tangy flavor great for adding to salads. Green bananas and plantains—and I mean green. Not green-yellow, or a little green at one end, but green. So green that they are difficult to peel and virtually inedible, so slice them lengthwise, shell out the pulp, chop it coarsely, and then use it in your prebiotic shake. Prebiotic fibers are essentially the “water” and “fertilizer” that nourish your bowel flora. These are fibers that you ingest but cannot digest, leaving them for microorganisms in the intestines to consume. Some call prebiotic fibers resistant starch since they are impervious to human digestion and digested by microorganisms. Getting prebiotic fibers is crucial to your health and the success of your diet. The average (unhealthy) American obtains between 3 and 8 grams of prebiotic fibers per day, about half from grains. Measurable health benefits begin at a prebiotic fiber intake of around 8 grams per day, while maximum benefits occur at an intak...
Source: Wheat Belly Blog - Category: Cardiology Authors: Tags: Prebiotics Undoctored Wheat Belly Lifestyle green bananas potato raw potato resistant starch Wheat Belly Total Health Source Type: blogs