Let us talk about prebiotics (2)

Let us talk about prebiotics (2)

OLUFUNKE FROM PUNCH

Some years ago, my father discussed doctrine of signatures with me. That was what ignited my passion for nature. It was thrilling to know that plants which resemble our body parts can in some way treat or alleviate the illness of such body parts.

Modern medicine rejects the doctrine of signatures, yet, scientific researchers keep validating them unintentionally!

Take the seed of Irvingia gabonensis (ogbono) as an example, when cooked, it is slimy just like sperm and some studies support the claims on the use of the seeds by traditional medicine practitioners as a fertility agent.

This second story is also credited to my father. He said that in our hometown, a man had for a long time searched for a particular herb used in the preparation of charms that prevent bullets from penetrating people’s bodies. All of a sudden, the same plant started springing up around houses! The man now called some people and told them that there would be a war outbreak. Truly,   the Nigerian civil war broke out! Whether we believe it or not, some people have “received knowledge” about plants.

The reason I have said all these is to let you know that there is more to reap from nature than the ingestion of herbs.

The metaphor ‘mother nature’ emphasises the idea that nature provides sustenance, protection and care, much like a mother does for her children.

I see Mother Nature as the proverbial mother hen who sees to the needs of others. She makes provisions for herbs for the treatment of diseases, and she warns of impending danger just like in the civil war story I shared above, she teaches inspirational lessons and does more.

We started discussions on prebiotics. Let us proceed.

There is some truth to the recommendation by dieticians that increasing your intake of dietary fibre is a simple way to increase your intake of prebiotics, however, not all dietary fibres are prebiotics.  It is hard to say if high-fibre foods also mean they are high in prebiotics. Although, all prebiotics are fibre in nature.

According to Dr. Vincent Pedre, author of The GutSMART Protocol, “Foods rich in prebiotics are like fish food for the gut flora. Cooking with onions and garlic can both flavour your food and improve your gut health. Raw onions and garlic are higher in prebiotics”.

He went on to say that ‘spices like ginger and turmeric can also support gut health and that ginger promotes gut motility and can ease a wide range of gastrointestinal complaints, like belching, bloating, indigestio,n and nausea. He says “Turmeric is anti-inflammatory and studies have shown that it can soothe digestive disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease”

Let us see more prebiotic rich foods:

  1. Mushrooms

Most varieties of edible mushrooms are rich in carbohydrates like chitin, beta and alpha glucans and other compounds that act as prebiotics.

Not only do mushrooms contain prebiotics, but they also contain essential amino acids, as well as minerals, such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron and zinc which play a role in supporting our energy production and immune system.

  1. Legumes

Legume varieties are rich in protein, prebiotic carbohydrates and a range of micronutrients making them a great choice for gut health and overall health and wellbeing.

Incorporating more legumes containing prebiotic carbohydrates can positively alter the gut microbiome, helping regulate intestinal movement, increase mineral absorption and reduce obesity risk by regulating blood glucose and cholesterol levels. Examples are beans, chickpeas, Lentils, soya beans and Kidney beans.

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