What component in flint corn functions like dietary fiber and is fermented by gut bacteria?
Answer
Resistant starch
Flint corn contains a high concentration of resistant starch, particularly when consumed in a less processed, whole form. This compound acts analogously to dietary fiber because it resists breakdown in the small intestine. Instead, it travels intact to the colon where it becomes a substrate for fermentation by beneficial gut bacteria. This fermentation process is crucial as it produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), such as butyrate, which support intestinal homeostasis, strengthen the gut barrier, and reduce inflammation.
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