Scientists from the University of Leipzig found that plant-based dietary fiber is beneficial for the intestines and also reduces cravings for junk food. Research results published In the British Medical Journal (BMJ).
Indigestible dietary fiber (prebiotics) is found in high concentrations in foods such as leeks, artichokes, wheat, bananas, and chicory root. They support gut health by stimulating the growth and activity of beneficial bacteria. Additionally, scientists have found that prebiotics reduce brain activity associated with the desired feeling of reward associated with the consumption of fatty, sweet, and carbohydrate foods.
Fifty-nine overweight young adults following a Western diet participated in the study. They were divided into two groups. For two weeks, volunteers in the first group consumed 30 grams of inulin (a prebiotic derived from chicory root) per day, while participants in the second group took a placebo.
All participants then completed an experiment in which subjects were shown photos of food products and asked if they would like to eat the food shown. The brain activities of the participants were continuously monitored. At the end of the experiment, they were presented with the food with the highest score and asked to eat it.
When participants took the prebiotic and ate high-calorie foods, brain activity associated with food satisfaction decreased. This effect was accompanied by positive changes in the gut microbiome.
Most likely, increasing the proportion of prebiotics in the diet can suppress the constant desire for fatty, carbohydrate and high-calorie foods. The authors hope the study will help develop new techniques for changing eating habits for overweight people.
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