May 4, 2024

The 5 Top Foods Rich in Prebiotics, According to Scientists

Boyd recently provided the findings at NUTRITION 2023, the flagship yearly conference of the American Society for Nutrition held July 22– 25 in Boston.
Prebiotics vs. Probiotics
Prebiotics, which can be thought of as food for the microbiome, are various from probiotics, which consist of live microorganisms. Both can possibly benefit microbiome health, however they work in various ways.
Studies have connected higher prebiotic intake with enhanced blood sugar policy, much better absorption of minerals like calcium, and markers of enhanced immune and digestive function. Although the majority of dietary standards do not currently define an advised day-to-day allowance for prebiotics, the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics– a non-profit scientific company that established the presently held meaning of prebiotics– suggests a consumption of 5 grams daily.
In-depth Findings of the Study
For the research study, researchers used formerly published scientific findings to evaluate the prebiotic content of 8,690 foods included in the Food and Nutrient Database for Dietary Studies, a resource many researchers utilize to study nutrition and health..
About 37% of the foods in the database were discovered to include prebiotics. Dandelion greens, Jerusalem artichoke, garlic, leeks, and onions had the best amounts, ranging from about 100-240 milligrams of prebiotics per gram of food (mg/g). Other prebiotic-rich foods consisted of onion rings, creamed onions, cowpeas, asparagus, and Kelloggs All-Bran cereal, each including around 50-60 mg/g.
” The findings from our initial literature review suggest that onions and related foods consist of several forms of prebiotics, causing a bigger overall prebiotic material,” stated Boyd. “Multiple forms of onions and related foods appear in a variety of meals as both flavoring and primary components. These foods are typically taken in by Americans and hence would be a feasible target for people to increase their prebiotic consumption.”.
Based upon the groups findings, Boyd stated a person would need to consume approximately half of a little (4-ounce) onion to get 5 grams of prebiotics.
Wheat-containing products rank lower on the list. Foods with little or no prebiotic content include dairy items, meats, oils, and eggs.
The scientists hope the research study will supply a basis to help other scientists assess the health impacts of prebiotics and notify future dietary standards. They noted that more research study is needed to comprehend how cooking impacts prebiotic material and to better examine foods which contain numerous ingredients.
Recommendation: “Determination of the Prebiotic Content of Foods in the 2015-2016 Food and Nutrient Database for Dietary Studies (FNDDS)” by Cassandra Boyd and John Gieng, 22 July 2023, NUTRITION 2023. Abstract.

Growing proof suggests that taking in prebiotics, types of fiber that stimulate gut germs, can promote a healthy gut microbiome. A research study highlighted foods like dandelion greens, Jerusalem artichokes, garlic, leeks, and onions as particularly high in prebiotic material and important for microbiome health and fiber intake.
Taking in more of these foods might enhance your gut health.
Increasing research study suggests that intake of prebiotics, specific sort of fiber normally present in plants that promote great gut germs, contributes to a well balanced gut microbiome. In a current research study, scientists evaluated the prebiotic levels in many food varieties by referencing existing studies to figure out which foods provide the highest prebiotic content.
Top Prebiotic-Rich Foods Identified
According to the study, foods that load the best prebiotic punch are dandelion greens, Jerusalem artichokes, garlic, leeks, and onions. In addition to supporting gut microbes, prebiotic-rich foods consist of high amounts of fiber– something most Americans do not get enough of.
Scientist Cassandra Boyd holding garlic and onion, two foods that the research study exposed to be dense in prebiotics. Credit: Cassandra Boyd
” Eating prebiotic-dense foods has been indicated by previous research to benefit health,” said Cassandra Boyd, a masters student at San José State University who conducted the research study with Assistant Professor John Gieng, Ph.D. “Eating in a way to promote microbiome health while eating more fiber might be more obtainable and available than you believe.”

About 37% of the foods in the database were found to include prebiotics. Dandelion greens, Jerusalem artichoke, garlic, leeks, and onions had the greatest amounts, ranging from about 100-240 milligrams of prebiotics per gram of food (mg/g). Other prebiotic-rich foods consisted of onion rings, creamed onions, cowpeas, asparagus, and Kelloggs All-Bran cereal, each containing around 50-60 mg/g.
” The findings from our preliminary literature review recommend that onions and associated foods contain numerous kinds of prebiotics, leading to a larger total prebiotic content,” said Boyd. These foods are frequently taken in by Americans and therefore would be a feasible target for people to increase their prebiotic intake.”.