Prebiotics, Probiotics and now Postbiotics - Explained
Understanding the ABCs of Gut Health: Prebiotics, Probiotics, and Postbiotics Explained
In the world of gut health, you may have heard the terms "prebiotics," "probiotics," and "postbiotics" tossed around. These terms are crucial in understanding how to maintain a healthy gut, but what exactly do they mean?
Let's break it down:
Prebiotics: These are non-digestible fibres that act as food for probiotics, the good bacteria in your gut. Prebiotics essentially serve as fibres for probiotics, helping them thrive and improve your gut health. Extracta produces highly effective prebiotic powders - red apple, green apple and sugarcane fibres.
Probiotics: These are live beneficial bacteria that, when consumed in adequate amounts, provide a health benefit to the host. Probiotics can help maintain the balance of good and bad bacteria in your gut, support digestion, and boost your immune system. They can be found in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi, as well as in supplement form.
Postbiotics: These are the byproducts of probiotic bacteria fermentation in the gut. Postbiotics include substances like short-chain fatty acids, enzymes, and organic acids, which can have various health benefits, such as supporting gut health, immunity, and reducing inflammation. Postbiotics are naturally produced in the body but can also be consumed through certain foods and supplements.
One of the important things that happen during colonic fermentation is the breakdown of non-digestible prebiotic and fibre substances in our diet by gut microbiota. This produces beneficial compounds for our health like short-chain fatty acids, certain vitamins (Vitamin B and K), amino acids and antimicrobial peptides that prevent the growth and activities of harmful bacteria.
Wine Waste: The Evolution of Winery By-Product to Superfood.
Chardonnay marc (AKA White Grape Fibre) which consists of the skins, seeds, and stems leftover from winemaking, offers several health benefits. It is rich in antioxidants, particularly polyphenols, which have been linked to various health-promoting effects. These antioxidants help neutralise harmful free radicals in the body, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, which are associated with chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
Additionally, chardonnay marc is a good source of dietary fibres, which supports digestive health by promoting regular bowel movements and feeding beneficial gut bacteria. The fibre content also helps maintain a healthy weight and may reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
For those looking to improve their gut health, incorporating a variety of prebiotic-rich foods, probiotic-containing foods, and foods that promote the production of postbiotics can be beneficial. Maintaining a healthy balance of these three components can help support overall gut health and contribute to your overall well-being.