Resistant Starch Identified as Overlooked Fiber Crucial for Gut Microbiome Health
Resistant starch is being highlighted as a significantly overlooked fiber type that plays a crucial role in the health of the gut microbiome. Unlike other starches, resistant starch resists digestion in the small intestine and reaches the large intestine, where it is fermented by beneficial gut microbes. Modern diets, due to processing, refinement, and cooking practices, provide very little resistant starch, with current intake in the United States and Europe estimated at only about 4 grams per day, far below the recommended 15 to 20 grams for optimal bowel, gut, and metabolic health. This 'lost nutrient' is essential for feeding beneficial bacteria and supporting the gut barrier, which acts as a protective lining.
