Resistant Starch: What is Resistant Starch?
Resistant Starch (RS) is a starch that is characterized by its inability to be digested or absorbed within the upper digestive tract. Escaping digestion in the small intestine, it is fermented by bacteria in the large intestine (colon).
Resistant Starch (RS) is a starch that is characterized by its inability to be digested or absorbed within the upper digestive tract. Escaping digestion in the small intestine, it is fermented by bacteria in the large intestine (colon). Because of this, it is considered a prebiotic, in that it feeds beneficial colonic bacteria. 70% of our immune cells reside in the gut and resistant starch promotes healthy gut flora populations.
Weight Loss
RS is known to produce more satiety, or the feeling of satisfaction from food, so that you can satisfy your body with less food intake, and new research suggests that resistant starch can improve insulin sensitivity in diabetics as well as lowering blood sugar levels after meals.
Other Benefits Resistant Starch
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide, and resistant starch is being studied for its potential to lower colon cancer risk factors. RS is also associated with increased production of a fatty acid called butyrate that protects colon cells, so consuming resistant starch both feeds the friendly bacteria and indirectly feeds the cells in the colon by increasing the amount of butyrate.