What role does dietary fiber from pumpkin play regarding beneficial gut bacteria?
Answer
Acts as a prebiotic
The substantial fiber content found in both the flesh and seeds of the pumpkin serves a vital function within the digestive system by acting as a prebiotic. Prebiotics are specialized dietary fibers that are not digested by the human body but instead pass through to the colon where they feed the beneficial bacteria residing there. A thriving and diverse gut microbiome, supported by this prebiotic action, is strongly correlated with improved immune responses throughout the body and even positive effects on mood regulation, demonstrating benefits beyond simple digestive regularity.
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