Which non-digestible fibers in kale serve as specific food sources for the gut microbiome's beneficial bacteria?
Answer
Prebiotics
Kale contributes significantly to digestive health not only through its total fiber content but also through specialized components known as prebiotics. Prebiotics are defined as non-digestible fibers that specifically bypass digestion in the upper gastrointestinal tract and travel to the large intestine. Once there, they function as essential nourishment or 'food' for the community of beneficial bacteria that constitute the gut microbiome. A thriving gut microbiome, supported by consistent prebiotic intake, is strongly associated with numerous systemic benefits extending beyond digestion, including a bolstered immune response, reduced overall inflammation, and improvements in mental health indicators.
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