Reference Number: 306
Year: 2014
Link: Link to original paper
Health: Gut Microbiome - Creating Healthier Bread to Support Optimal Gut Health
Nutrition: Polyphenols | Resistant starch | Whole grain
Inclusions: Oats
Summary
The gut microbiota plays important roles in proper gut function and can contribute to or help prevent disease. Whole grains, including oats, constitute important sources of nutrients for the gut microbiota and contribute to a healthy gut microbiome. In particular, whole grains provide NSP and resistant starch, unsaturated TAG and complex lipids, and phenolics. The composition of these constituents is unique in oats compared with other whole grains. Therefore, oats may contribute distinctive effects on gut health relative to other grains. Studies designed to determine these effects may uncover new human-health benefits of oat consumption.
What does it mean for a Baker?
This study is very interesting and helps to highlight the potential prebiotic effects of oats on the gut-microbiome. The study found that oats are very high in dietary fibre, polyphenols and beta glucans. This all contributes to the effects that oats have on increasing the diversity of the gut microbiome, helping to avoid dysbiosis and maintain a healthy gut. Why not try adding more oats to your sourdough bakes? Try baking this basic tinned sourdough loaf which contains oats, as it may help to keep your gut microbiome healthy.
