Prebiotics are dietary fibers found in certain plant-based foods that can significantly help to promote the growth of the good bacteria in the gut.
Scientists conducted an experiment to see if prebiotics could affect brain function and even food decision-making.
Let's find out more about how it works.
Researching foods
In the study, overweight adults who ate a Western diet took part.
They ate 30 grams of inulin, a prebiotic found in chicory root, every day for two weeks.
During the study, the participants looked at food pictures while having their brains scanned with MRI. They also shared how much they wanted to eat the shown meals.
After that, they were given their favorite meal from the pictures to eat.
The MRI scans showed that when the participants ate the prebiotic fiber, their brains didn't get as excited in the reward areas when they saw high-calorie foods.
This change was linked to differences in the types of bacteria in their guts.
The researchers used special brain imaging techniques, genetic analysis of gut bacteria, and studied how the body metabolizes substances to understand the results.
They also took blood samples to check hormones, glucose, fats, and inflammation markers.
Stool samples were collected to measure the types of bacteria in the gut and the byproducts they produce, called short-chain fatty acids.
Why it's important
The scientists believe that further research is needed to explore the potential of microbiome-based treatments.
They emphasized the importance of understanding the relationship between the microbiome, gut, and brain.
This knowledge could lead to new strategies for promoting healthier eating habits in those at risk of obesity.
Previously, we talked about how sandwich ideas.
