Resistant Starch Supports Colon Health
It is known that fiber supports colon health and research has now shown resistant starch acts similarly in protecting the colon.
This is very important in the fight against colorectal cancer since it is the third most cause of cancer death in the world.
The good bacteria in the colon consume fiber and produce butyrate, which is a short-chain fatty acid that protects against colon cancer. A steady supply of butyrate stops colon cancer growth.
Now research shows good bacteria in the colon also converts resistant starch into butyrate. Though Dr. Greger uses corn as an example of a resistant starch, it is not a supported alkaline food.
Dr. Greger uses corn as an example of a resistant starch because when boiled to make porridge some of its digestible starch is converted into resistant starch.
Resistant starch is starch that resists digestion in the small intestine and doesn’t enter the bloodstream. It travels to the colon and is consumed by good bacteria and produces butyrate which protects the colon.
Alkaline sources of resistant starch include quinoa and chickpeas, which are preferred over harmful starches from corn and white potatoes.
