 |
|
Prebiotic potential of almonds
June 30, 2008Almonds, as well as being high in vitamin E and other minerals, are also thought to have other health benefits, such as reducing cholesterol. Recently published work by the Institute of Food Research has identified potential prebiotic properties of almonds that could help improve our digestive health by increasing levels of beneficial gut bacteria.
Our digestive system maintains large population of bacteria that live in the colon. Prebiotics are non-digestible parts of foods that these bacteria can use to fuel their growth and activity. These 'good' bacteria form part of our body's defence against harmful bacteria and play a role in the development of body's immune system. The prebiotics work by stimulating the growth of these bacteria. However, in order to get to where they are needed prebiotics must be able to get through the upper part of the intestine without being digested or absorbed by the body.
Funded by the Almond Board of California, IFR scientists first used the Model Gut, a physical and biochemical simulator of the gastro-intestinal tract, to subject almonds to the same conditions experienced in the stomach and small intestine. They then added the digested almonds to an in vitro batch system to mimic the bacterial fermentation in the large intestine and monitored its effect on the populations of intestinal bacteria.
The study, published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology, found that finely ground almonds significantly increased the levels of certain beneficial gut bacteria. This effect was not seen when the fat content was removed from the almond preparation, suggesting that the beneficial bacteria use the almond lipid for growth, and this is the basis for the prebiotic effect of almonds.
Previous studies have shown that the amount of available lipid is reduced if the almonds are not processed, for example by grinding as in this study or by chewing. The length of time the almond spends in the digestive system also affects the amount of available lipids and proteins. More detailed studies on the digestibility of almonds are now required, and the prebiotic effect of almond lipids needs to be tested in human volunteers.
Norwich BioScience Institutes
The study, published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology, found that finely ground almonds significantly increased the levels of certain beneficial gut bacteria. This effect was not seen when the fat content was removed from the almond preparation, suggesting that the beneficial bacteria use the almond lipid for growth, and this is the basis for the prebiotic effect of almonds.
Previous studies have shown that the amount of available lipid is reduced if the almonds are not processed, for example by grinding as in this study or by chewing. The length of time the almond spends in the digestive system also affects the amount of available lipids and proteins. More detailed studies on the digestibility of almonds are now required, and the prebiotic effect of almond lipids needs to be tested in human volunteers.
Norwich BioScience Institutes
Prebiotic Current Events and Prebiotic News RSSEating right, not supplements, is best at keeping your good bacteria healthy, dietitian says
Healthy eating, not supplements, is the best way to keep the good bacteria in your gut healthy, says a dietitian and researcher.
Surface features on Titan form like Earth's, but with a frigid twist
"It is really surprising how closely Titan's surface resembles Earth's," says Rosaly Lopes, a planetary geologist at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California, who is presenting the results on Friday, 7 August.
NASA Scientists Find Clues to a Secret of Life
NASA scientists analyzing the dust of meteorites have discovered new clues to a long-standing mystery about how life works on its most basic, molecular level.
Very cold ice films in laboratory reveal mysteries of universe
The universe is full of water, mostly in the form of very cold ice films deposited on interstellar dust particles, but until recently little was known about the detailed small scale structure.
Meteorites delivered the 'seeds' of Earth's left-hand life
Flash back three or four billion years - Earth is a hot, dry and lifeless place. All is still. Without warning, a meteor slams into the desert plains at over ten thousand miles per hour. With it, this violent collision may have planted the chemical seeds of life on Earth.
Hubble finds first organic molecule on extrasolar planet
The tell-tale signature of the molecule methane in the atmosphere of the Jupiter-sized extrasolar planet HD 189733b has been found with the Hubble Space Telescope. Under the right circumstances methane can play a key role in prebiotic chemistry - the chemical reactions considered necessary to form life as we know it.
New hypothesis for origin of life proposed
Life may have begun in the protected spaces inside of layers of the mineral mica, in ancient oceans, according to a new hypothesis.
Liquid crystal phases of tiny DNA molecules point up new scenario for first life on Earth
A team led by the University of Colorado at Boulder and the University of Milan has discovered some unexpected forms of liquid crystals of ultrashort DNA molecules immersed in water, providing a new scenario for a key step in the emergence of life on Earth.
University of Leicester scientists discover technique to help 'friendly bacteria'
There is currently a great deal of interest in the health-associated properties of probiotics, also known as 'beneficial' or 'friendly' bacteria, and prebiotics, the food needed for the growth of probiotic when inside our bodies.
RNA enzyme structure offers a glimpse into the origins of life
Researchers at the University of California, Santa Cruz, have determined the three-dimensional structure of an RNA enzyme, or "ribozyme," that carries out a fundamental reaction required to make new RNA molecules.
More Prebiotic Current Events and Prebiotic News Articles
 |
Now Foods Inulin Prebiotic Fos, 8-Ounces (Pack of 2) by NOW NOW's Insulin is a fructooligosaccharide derived from Chicory roots and other natural sources of inulin. As a prebiotic, Inulin stimulates the growth of friendly and healthy intestinal bacteria which supports good colon health. Since it also has a very low glycemic index, it is suitable for many people who are on restricted diets. Add it to your favorite beverage or food. Its taste is comparable to sugar and can be used as a sugar replacer. |
 |
Premium Prebiotic Fiber Supplement - Full-spectrum Prebiotic More Effective Than FOS or Inulin Alone - "Beyond Inulin" - 60-day Supply. Supercharge Your Probiotic Bacteria! Manufactured in U.S. in an FDA-inspected facility. by Jackson GI Medical 100% natural, plant-derived full-spectrum prebiotic fiber. No artificial ingredients. Dissolves instantly, no grittiness or clumps. Virtually tasteless, slightly sweet. Mix into water, juice, coffee or any drink. Sprinkle on oatmel, cereal or any food. Manufactured in the U.S. in an FDA-inspected, GMP compliant facility for safety. Questions or comments? Call us toll-free at 888-320-5030. |
 |
Konsyl Balance Prebiotic Fiber Orange Flaver, 50-Dose Jars by Konsyl Balance Orange Balance is two types of fiber: Psyllium and Inulin plus a tasty orange flavor makes it easy to drink. Instead of just one type of fiber, Konsyl Balance provides two complementary sources of soluble fiber to help promote healthy cholesterol levels and stimulate a healthy digestive system. Konsyl Balance has been reported to help patients with IBD. |
 |
Kendy USA Actiflora Prebiotic Probiotic - Bio Plus - 100 Vcaps by KENDY USA The "good bacteria" to optimize your body's immune and digestive systems. |
 |
Probiotic and Prebiotic Recipes for Health: 100 Recipes that Battle Colitis, Candidiasis, Food Allergies, and Other Digestive Disorders by Tracy Olgeaty Gensler (Author) The first cookbook on this hot health topic Trillions of bacteria naturally occur in the intestines, and most help protect the body from disease. These protective bacteria are called probiotics. Foods that nourish these "good" bacteria are called prebiotics. A number of factors can upset the balance between the levels of "good" and "bad" bacteria. There is evidence that consuming foods that are rich in "good" bacteria as well as foods that nourish these bacteria may help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the intestines and help improve health and fight certain diseases, like heart disease and cancer. This cookbook is organized by prebiotic and probiotic food recipes. Each of the 100 tasty recipes include instructions for properly cooking and storing food to preserve optimal... |
 |
pHion Gold, Prebiotic Complex - Powder by pHion We're guessing that you know the importance of taking probiotics - supplements that contain live, beneficial bacteria - for optimal digestion and gut health. And, if you're going to invest your money in these beneficial critters, you probably want to know how to get the most out of them. The answer is prebiotics. Prebiotics are probiotic food. In other words, these non-digestible fibers act as a food source for probiotics. You always want to take your probiotics, such as pHion Orange, with prebiotics, such as pHion Gold. Why? To ensure that the beneficial bacteria in your probiotic supplement have plenty to eat - which will give them a much better chance of successfully colonizing and flourishing in your gut. **Advantages** 1. Helps re-colonize the intestinal tract. pHion Gold contains... |
 |
Ross Ensure Plus W/Prebiotics Forahealthy Immunesystem Creamy Milk Chocolate 8 Oz - Model 50466 by Ross Brand or Series: Ensure Plus. Application: Oral Supplement. User: Adult. Container Type: Can. Flavor: Milk Chocolate. Calorie Count: 45 Calories. Package Size: 8 oz. Preparation Type: Ready-To-Use. Feature: A complete and balanced nutritional supplement to help residents gain or maintain healthy weight. Feature: For those who have fluid restrictions or require volume-limited feedings. Feature: Excellent source of 24 essential vitamins and minerals. Feature: A great source of concentrated calories and is high in protein |
 |
Heather's Tummy Fiber POUCH ~ Organic Acacia Senegal 16 oz. for Irritable Bowel Syndrome by Heather's Tummy Care Heather's Tummy Fiber™ ~ Organic Acacia is a medical food for the dietary management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms. Acacia is a natural, pure, organic, soluble dietary fiber produced from the gum of the Acacia tree. Clinical studies have shown that soluble fiber, as part of the diet: helps soothe and regulate bowel motility; relieves IBS abdominal pain and cramping by stabilizing intestinal contractions; alleviates BOTH diarrhea and constipation. Heather's Tummy Fiber™ also: increases good gut flora - it's considered a prebiotic; has excellent gastrointestinal tolerance; and slows down colonic fermentation, which in turn decreases gas and bloating. Heather's Tummy Fiber™ is completely safe and healthy for daily, lifelong use, is safe for use in children, and has no GI... |
|
International Journal of Probiotics & Prebiotics by New Century Health Publishers | |
 |
Inulin Prebiotic, Vegetarian, 8 oz. by NOW Foods NOW's Inulin is a fructooligosaccharide derived from Chicory roots and other natural sources of inulin. As a prebiotic, Inulin stimulates the growth of friendly and healthy intestinal bacteria which supports good colon health. Since it also has a very low glycemic index, it is suitable for many people who are on restricted diets. Add it to your favorite beverage or food. Its taste is comparable to sugar and can be used as a sugar replacer. |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |