Resistant starch is the type of starch in foods that is not digested by the digestive system.
What is resistant starch used for?
Arriving almost intact in the intestine, resistant starch acts as a soluble fiber, becoming food for the bacteria of the intestinal flora. This would bring benefits in terms of types of bacteria present in the intestine and their number. The fermentation of resistant starch leads, in fact, to the production of short-chain fatty acids, in particular butyrate, useful for the health of colon cells. The results would be the lowering of the pH, a strong reduction in inflammation and a lowering of the risk of developing colorectal cancer. However, not all butyrate is used by the intestine, and what enters the circulation would exert several other benefits.
The benefits that are attributed to its intake include improved insulin sensitivity, reduced blood sugar levels, decreased appetite, help with weight loss and several benefits in terms of digestive disorders. Resistant starch could be useful, for example, in the case of inflammatory bowel diseases, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, but also constipation or diarrhea, or diverticulitis.
Efsa ( the European Food Safety Authority) has approved the claim that resistant starch can reduce the postprandial glycemic response by contributing to a reduction in the increase in blood glucose after the meal during which it is consumed. However, the claims that resistant starch:
- helps promote normal colon metabolism
- It is a butyrogenic fiber, and butyrate contributes to the normal functioning and metabolism of the colon
- promotes digestive system health
- provides prebiotic activity.
Warnings and possible contraindications
Taking resistant starch may be contraindicated in the presence of certain health problems. It also cannot be ruled out a priori that a supplement does not interfere with the intake of drugs or other substances. For this reason, before taking resistant starch it is best to ask your doctor for advice.
