Which two prebiotics found in onions fuel beneficial large intestine bacteria?
Answer
Inulin and fructooligosaccharides
Onions serve as an excellent dietary source for two specific types of prebiotics: inulin and fructooligosaccharides. These are classified as nondigestible fibers, meaning the human body cannot break them down in the upper digestive tract. Instead, they travel to the large intestine where they become the preferred source of nourishment, or fuel, for the populations of beneficial bacteria residing there. When these friendly microbes metabolize inulin and fructooligosaccharides, they generate vital byproducts like short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are critical for maintaining the integrity of the gut lining and supporting overall immune function.
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