Prebiotic foods have been getting a lot of attention lately. In order to understand what makes them so special, it helps if we start with a quick definition of probiotics.
Your body is home to about 40 trillion bacterial cells, many of which are helpful and support good digestion and health. Probiotics are live microorganisms you can consume as part of your daily diet to add to your good bacteria stores and reap the health benefits; your daily probiotic supplement is a great example.
But guess what?
PREBIOTICS ARE JUST AS IMPORTANT TO A HEALTHY, BALANCED GUT.
Prebiotics provide nourishment for the beneficial bacteria in your body. As they travel through your digestive system, they nourish all those good microbes along the way and help them grow and multiply. The result is more good bacteria in your gut, which promotes better digestion and a stronger immune system.
WHERE DO PREBIOTICS COME FROM?
Typically, prebiotics are found in foods that are high in fiber. Dietary fiber—including both soluble fiber and insoluble fiber—really just refers to the parts of plant foods that our bodies are unable to digest and absorb, which is why it is sometimes called “roughage.”
Because prebiotics are not digested, they remain in the digestive tract where they can do their job of feeding their probiotic partners.
TOP PREBIOTIC FOODS YOU SHOULD BE EATING
Adding more prebiotic foods to your diet is simpler than you might think, since many of the foods you already eat contain prebiotic fiber. Below is a list of the top prebiotic foods you may want to consider getting more of in your daily diet.
- Almonds
- Asparagus
- Bananas
- Barley
- Beans and lentils
- Dandelion greens
- Garlic, onions, shallots and leeks
- Jicama, Jerusalem artichoke (sunchoke) and chicory root
- Oats
- Savoy cabbage
- Wheat germ and whole wheat berries
DELICIOUS PREBIOTIC RECIPES YOU CAN MAKE TODAY
For a simple way to support a healthy gut microbiome on the go, Renew Life formulated our Organic Daily Probiotic + Prebiotic Powder.* The easy-to-mix powder is made with multiple clinically studied probiotic strains and certified organic XOS prebiotics to help stimulate the growth of healthy bacteria in your digestive tract.*
Look for Organic Daily Probiotic + Prebiotic Powder soon at www.renewlife.com and use it to make these delicious and gut-friendly recipes!
Energy Boosting Oatmeal Berry Breakfast Smoothie
Makes 2 servings
Ingredients:
1 frozen banana
1 cup of water
1 cup frozen mixed berries
¾ cup rolled oats
1 tbsp. raw honey
1 tsp. of chia seeds
2 scoops Renew Life Organic Probiotic + Prebiotic Powder
Directions:
Using a blender, combine all ingredients together until smooth. Serve and enjoy!
Healthy Banana Chocolate No-Bake Energy Balls
Makes 20 balls
Ingredients:
1¼ cup rolled oats
¼ cup ground flaxseed
1 tbsp. chia seeds
â…“ cup maple syrup
¼ cup almond butter
1 ripe banana, mashed
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
¼ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Pinch of sea salt
4 scoops Renew Life Organic Probiotic + Prebiotic Powder
Directions:
Mix together all ingredients in a medium to large bowl. Cover and refrigerate for 2-3 hours or overnight. (The batter will be wet but will firm as it sits.) When the batter has set, wet your hands and shape into 20 separate balls. Refrigerate balls for 2-3 hours or overnight to firm. Enjoy for breakfast or as a snack.
Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
Makes 1 serving
Ingredients:
1 frozen banana
â…“ cup pumpkin purée from a can
1-2 tbsp. sweetener like sugar, agave, maple syrup, or coconut sugar. (optional)
½ tsp. pumpkin pie spice (or 1/4 tsp. cinnamon and 1/4 tsp nutmeg)
1 cup soy milk or any plant-based milk of choice
1 scoop Renew Life Organic Probiotic + Prebiotic Powder
½ cup of ice
Directions:
Using a blender, combine all ingredients together until smooth. Serve and enjoy!
Did you know? You can find even more healthy and delicious recipes at www.renewlife.com/blog/.
