Prebiotics are special plant fibers that help healthy bacteria grow in your gut. This makes your digestive system work better.
Key points
- The concept of a ‘prebiotic’ was put forward in 1995 by Gibson and Roberfroid in their scientific publication.
- Both prebiotics and probiotics are good for your gut, but they help in different ways.
- Prebiotics are a source of food for your gut’s healthy bacteria.
- Prebiotics are a type of fiber that the human body cannot digest. So they go to your lower digestive tract, where they act like food to help the healthy bacteria grow.
- Probiotics are live yeasts and good bacteria that live in your body and are good for your digestive system.
- You can take probiotics as supplements or get them through food.
- Prebiotics are present in fiber-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Probiotics occur in many fermented foods, including yogurt, sauerkraut, and tempeh.
