What role do the undigested carbohydrates, fiber and Resistant Starch (RS), play once they reach the colon?
Answer
They act as prebiotics, feeding beneficial bacteria colonies
The components of taro root that resist digestion, specifically its significant amounts of dietary fiber and approximately 12% Resistant Starch (RS), travel intact through the small intestine to the large intestine or colon. In the colon, these undigested carbohydrates serve a crucial function by acting as prebiotics. This means they selectively nourish and promote the growth and activity of the beneficial colonies of gut bacteria residing there. When these resident microbes ferment the fiber and RS, they produce vital metabolites known as Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs), such as butyrate, which are essential for maintaining the integrity of the intestinal barrier.
Related Questions
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