What is the primary function of soluble fiber in the colon regarding gut bacteria maintenance?

Answer

Acting as a prebiotic to feed beneficial bacteria

Brussels sprouts contain both soluble and insoluble fiber, each serving distinct roles. Insoluble fiber provides bulk, aiding regularity. However, the soluble fiber performs a prebiotic function in the colon. Soluble fiber dissolves in water to form a gel-like structure within the gut, and this gel acts as a crucial food source specifically for the beneficial bacteria residing there. By feeding this microbiome, the soluble fiber indirectly helps modulate blood sugar levels and contributes to lowering LDL cholesterol. Furthermore, the metabolism of this fiber by gut bacteria results in the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are necessary for maintaining the integrity of the intestinal lining itself.

What is the primary function of soluble fiber in the colon regarding gut bacteria maintenance?

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