The Prebiotics Found in Xagave

Prebiotics vs. Probiotics

 We always emphasize the health benefits of the inulin content in Xagave and its prebiotic properties. There have been several questions concerning the differences between prebiotics and probiotics. You have probably seen advertisements promoting yogurt and dairy products that contain probiotics.  People often ask if this is related to the prebiotics in Xagave.

 Probiotics are micro bacteria such as acidophilus that are commonly added to dairy products. These good bacteria aid in digestion and have been shown to make your digestive tract — particularly the lower intestines or gut — healthier.  Seventy percent (70%) of our immune system is located in the gut so a healthy gut makes for a healthy you; thus “boosting your immune system.”  Prebiotics on the other hand are not bacteria like the probiotics, but are food for the bacteria.  Bacteria actually feed on prebiotics such as inulin contained in Xagave. Prebiotics have the same affect as the probiotics, as they also promote regularity and a healthy digestive tract.  A number of studies including one conducted by the US Department of Agriculture/Baylor University have also shown that prebiotics may moderate blood sugar levels, enhance calcium absorption, increase bone density, and even reduce cancer causing lesions in the gut www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov.

I hope that this helps clarify the difference between probiotics and prebiotics. You can see how prebiotics can be just as beneficial as probiotics if not more. Enjoy!

References:

http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/reprint/129/7/1424S.pdf