Why Prebiotics Are Important for Health?
Probiotics, also known as beneficial bacteria, have hit the mainstream market with gusto, and can now be found not only as supplements in health food stores but also are added to popular foods like yogurt, protein bars, kefir and even ice cream. With revenues of $1.3 billion, and about 150 companies already devoted to the probiotics market in North America alone, the stage is set for these functional foods to really take off. In case you haven’t heard, probiotics are most widely known for optimizing the microflora in your gut, thereby enhancing digestive health. But they have also been highlighted as beneficial for a laundry list of other health conditions, from diabetes and mental health issues to obesity. While recognition for probiotics is growing strong, their lesser-known “cousins,” prebiotics, are much less talked about — but they deserve their own fair share of the limelight. What are prebiotics?