Resistant Starch

When it comes to eating fiber, just about everyone could do a lot better. In fact, many American adults could double their current fiber intake and still not reach the recommended targets of between 25 grams (for women) and 38 grams (for men) each day.

"It's no secret that we need much more fiber in our diet but it is the type of fiber that can make real improvements in our health," according to Dr. David Topping, Chief Scientist, CSIRO National Research Flagships in Australia. Dr. Topping was the keynote speaker at a recent Oldways symposium on the topic of resistant starch.

Health Benefits of Resistant Starch
Increased consumption of natural resistant starch, a type of dietary fiber comfortably fermented in the large intestine, has been shown to:

* Reduce calories
* Promote fat-burning in humans and reduce body fat in animal studies
* Help keep blood sugar and energy on an even keel
* Increase insulin sensitivity
* Protect colon health as a prebiotic fiber

The fermentation of natural resistant starch, which is commonly consumed in foods such as beans, grains, bananas and cold potatoes as well as in a growing number of commercial products, is believed responsible for these digestive and metabolic health benefits.

To Learn More
Click here to download an FAQ that explains what resistant starch is, its many health benefits and its unique advantages over other fiber sources.

Email Cynthia Harriman (Cynthia@oldwayspt.org) if you would like additional information emailed to you from our September 2007 symposium on resistant starch.