Prebiotic is known as non digestible food ingredient that is also known to stimulate the growth and or the activity of bacteria present in the digestive system which in turn provide great health benefits. Marcel Roberfroid identified and also named them in 1995. They (prebiotic) are believed to be functional foods. A lot of scientists also believe that there are even health benefits that are associated with this particular type of functional foods that have not yet been proven. The ongoing research about prebiotic in this field still continues to find new wellness and health advantages associated with these foods.

Here are just a couple of advantages of consuming foods containing prebiotic fiber

A Much Better Regularity

After being consumed, a prebiotic fiber is known to reach the large intestine totally intact; and this point, health bacteria can begin to grow. The bacteria growth will result directly to an increase in the intestinal biomass. This will then lead to the rise in fecal bulk material, there will be increase in the weight of stools and this will of course lead to fecal frequency as well. Improved bowel functions allow for a much better regularity – Translation: you no longer have to deal with a clogged up colon. Yup, sufferers of constipation have even noticed a real significant improvement in regularity.

Prevention of Cancer

A significant amount of health research has shown that prebiotics may have a lot of properties (such as insulin) that prevent cancer. Even though the research is still ongoing, the agreement within the scientific community shows that it does have the potential.

Bone Health And Prebiotic

It is very important that dietary calcium intake is taken seriously because it sure has an impact on bone health and bone metabolism. Osteoporosis and decrease in bone mass is caused by a deficiency in the intake and absorption of calcium. It is very important that one consumes calcium throughout life. Consuming calcium is one thing but absorption of calcium into the body is another thing entirely, it is also important that the calcium consumed is well absorbed by the body.

Sources of Prebiotic

The traditional dietary sources include:

• Soybeans

• Insulin sources – jicama, Jerusalem artichoke and chicory root

• Unrefined wheat

• Raw oats

• Yacon

• Unrefined barley

A few of the oligosaccharides that are known to naturally occur in breast milk are believed by a lot of experts to help in the development of an infant’s immune system.

It is really becoming a lot more common to rightly distinguish prebiotic substances and the food known to contain them.

Here are the top eleven foods that are known to contain prebiotic substances.

FOOD                                                          The Prebiotic Content By Weight

1. Uncooked chicory root                                   64.6 percent

2. Uncooked Jerusalem artichoke                       31.5 percent

3. Uncooked dandelion greens                            24.3 percent

4. Uncooked garlic                                             17.5 percent

5. Uncooked leeks                                             11.7 percent

6. Cooked onions                                               5 percent

7. Uncooked onion                                             8.6 percent

8. Uncooked asparagus                                      5 percent

9. Raw wheat bran                                              5 percent

10. Whole wheat flour (cooked)                            4.8 percent

11. Raw banana                                                 1 percent

The prebiotic is a natural and high in many healthy foods as can be seen on the above list.