Potatoes for gut health?

It’s a thing! Cold, cooked potatoes contain resistant starch (a type of prebiotic fibre) which help feed the beneficial bacteria in your gut.

Resistant starch is a specific type of carbohydrate that doesn’t get digested in your small intestine, but instead ferments in your large intestine, feeding the good gut bacteria here. The good bacteria in our gut use this kind of starch to make molecules called short chain fatty acids. These are anti-inflammatory, and support colon cell health. Cooking and cooling potatoes increases the amount of resistant starch in them!

Fibre is such a fundamental part of good gut health, which equally supports better overall health.

Upping your intake of prebiotic fibre (e.g. resistant starch) has been shown to have some really great benefits, including:

-       Better blood sugar control 

-       Improved weight management

-       Increased immunity

-       Healthier digestion 

-       Enhanced energy, mood, and sleep

The best sources of resistant starch?

-       Raw potatoes

-       Under-ripe green bananas

-       Legumes, nuts, and seeds

-       Whole grains such as oats and barley

-       Cooked-then-cooled starches such as rice, potatoes, and pasta

Whilst raw potato or underripe bananas aren’t ranking too high in our top ingredients, legumes, wholegrains, cooled rice and cooked-then-cooled potatoes feature a lot across our salads. An easy, delicious way to ensure you’re getting enough prebiotic fibre in your diet and feeing your good gut bacteria!