You’ve probably heard the term ‘probiotics’ and you may even know they offer health benefits. But have you heard of prebiotics?

Prebiotic vs. Probiotic: What’s the difference?

Prebiotics are a type of fiber that our bodies can’t digest. They actually feed the probiotics and support a good balance of probiotics in the gut.

Prebiotics are found in high fiber foods – like whole grains, green bananas, and flaxseed! Prebiotics are not living organisms.

Probiotics contain live microorganisms that, when consumed, offer numerous health benefits to our bodies. Probiotics are typically found in fermented foods – like yogurt.

Both prebiotics and probiotics support good gut and digestive health, so it is important to consume both!

Why Eat Prebiotics?

Prebiotics support a healthy gut microbiome and feed the probiotics that offer numerous overall health benefits.

Research has shown that probiotics may help to:

• Boost the immune system (1)
• Reduce the severity of allergies, asthma, and eczema (1)
• Prevent diarrhea (3)
• Promote healthy digestion and reduce symptoms of digestive disorders (4)
• Benefit heart health (5)
• Improve feelings of depression, anxiety, and stress (6)
• Potentially play a role in weight loss (7)

It’s best to consume foods that naturally contain probiotics on a daily basis.

Flaxseed as a prebiotic:

As mentioned above, prebiotics are a type of fiber that the body can’t digest. You may also remember that flaxseed offers a good source of dietary fiber.

Flaxseed actually contains prebiotics and feeds healthy probiotics in your digestive system! In just 1 serving of Manitoba Milling Smooth Whole Milled Flaxseed, there are 4 grams of fiber!

One of the easiest ways to get more flaxseed in your diet is by adding it to your favorite smoothies, a bowl of yogurt, or your morning oatmeal. You can also easily add in a few tablespoons to any baking recipe.

Try some of our favorites:

Easy Ways to Add Flax to Your Diet

Ginger Peach Gut Healthy Smoothie

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Sources:

1. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/probiotics-what-you-need-to-know
2. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/can-gut-bacteria-improve-your-health
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16728323/
4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19091823/
5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11114681/
6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25879690/
7. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24299712/