Curious about resistant starch foods and how they benefit your gut health? Resistant starch is a special type of fiber that isn’t fully digested in the small intestine. Instead, it ferments in the large intestine, feeding beneficial bacteria and improving gut health. In this article, we’ll highlight ten top foods rich in resistant starch and explain how they can support your digestive system. Resistant starch can be found in various foods, including whole grains.
Key Takeaways
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Resistant starch offers health benefits such as improved insulin sensitivity, lower cholesterol, reduced risk of colon cancer, and aid in weight management by increasing satiety.
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The recommended daily intake of resistant starch for adults is 15-20 grams, but many individuals fall short, consuming significantly less. Resistant starch supports a healthy gut microbiome, so a gradual increase is advised to avoid digestive discomfort.
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Top food sources of resistant starch include green bananas, cooked and cooled potatoes and rice, oats, beans, legumes, barley, sorghum, plantains, pearl barley, and green peas.
Health Benefits of Resistant Starch
Resistant starch is a unique type of starch that:
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Resists digestion in the small intestine
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Passes into the large intestine where it ferments and supports healthy gut flora
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Feeds beneficial gut bacteria, promoting a healthy gut environment
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Unlike regular starches that break down into glucose, resistant starches remain intact until they reach the colon, where they serve as food for good bacteria.
One of the standout health benefits of resistant starch is its ability to improve insulin sensitivity, which can help manage blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. Additionally, resistant starch consumption is linked to lower cholesterol levels and a reduced risk of colon cancer. As resistant starch ferments in the gut, it produces short-chain fatty acids like butyrate, which is crucial for colon health and can help reduce inflammation, lower the risk of colon cancer, and promote a healthy digestive system.
Moreover, resistant starch can aid in weight management by increasing feelings of fullness and reducing appetite. Foods high in resistant starch tend to be more filling, helping you feel satisfied for longer periods and potentially leading to reduced calorie intake. This can be particularly beneficial for those looking to manage their weight or reduce the risk of obesity.
Overall, the effects of resistant starch on gut health, satiety, and metabolic health make it a valuable addition to any diet.
How Much Resistant Starch Should You Consume Daily?
For optimal health benefits, it is recommended that adults consume 15-20 grams of resistant starch per day. However, many people fall short of this target. On average, Australian adults consume only about 3 to 9 grams of resistant starch daily, while Americans typically consume less than 5 grams per day. This significant gap between recommended intake and actual consumption suggests that most people are not reaping the full benefits of resistant starch.
To avoid digestive discomfort, it is advisable to gradually increase your intake of resistant starch. Sudden increases can lead to gas, bloating, and other digestive issues, so a slow and steady approach is best. Here’s how you can do it:
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Start by incorporating small amounts of high-resistant starch foods into your diet.
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Gradually increase the quantity over time.
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This method allows your digestive system to adjust and can help you achieve the recommended intake without adverse effects.
Top Foods High in Resistant Starch
Resistant starch can be found in a variety of foods, making it easy to incorporate into your diet. Some of the top foods high in resistant starch include:
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Green bananas
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Potatoes
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Rice
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Oats
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Beans
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Legumes
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Barley
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Sorghum
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Plantains
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Pearl barley
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Green peas
These foods not only provide resistant starch but also come with additional nutrients and health benefits.
In the following subsections, we will explore each of these foods in detail, discussing their resistant starch content, health benefits, and practical tips for incorporating them into your meals. By understanding the best sources of resistant starch, you can make informed choices to boost your intake and improve your gut health.
Green Bananas
Unripe bananas are an excellent source of resistant starch, making up 70-80% of their dry weight. However, as green bananas ripen, their resistant starch content decreases significantly, converting into simple sugars. By the time a banana is fully ripe, it contains only about 1% starch. This makes green bananas a superior choice for those looking to increase their resistant starch intake.
In addition to resistant starch, green bananas are rich in pectin, a type of dietary fiber that helps maintain the structural integrity of fruits. This combination of resistant starch and pectin makes green bananas a powerful food for promoting gut health and satiety. Consider incorporating green bananas into smoothies, salads, or even as a snack to reap their full benefits.
Potatoes
Potatoes are a common source of dietary starch, and their resistant starch content increases significantly when they are cooked and then cooled. This process, known as starch retrogradation, alters the structure of the starch, making it resistant to digestion and beneficial for gut health. Cooling potatoes after cooking can substantially increase their resistant starch content, making them a valuable addition to your diet.
To maximize the resistant starch content, consider cooking potatoes and then refrigerating them before consumption. This method can be applied to various potato dishes, including salads, baked potatoes, and even mashed potatoes. By incorporating cooled potatoes into your meals, you can enjoy the health benefits of resistant starch while adding variety to your diet.
Rice
Both brown and white rice contain resistant starch, but the content increases significantly when the rice is cooked and then cooled. This simple technique can make rice an even more valuable source of resistant starch. Cooling rice after cooking can increase its resistant starch content by up to 2.5 times compared to freshly cooked rice.
To incorporate more resistant starch into your diet, consider cooking rice a day in advance and then reheating it before consuming. This method not only enhances the resistant starch content but also makes meal preparation more convenient.
Both brown and white rice can be used in various dishes, making it easy to include this beneficial starch in your daily meals.
Oats
When eaten uncooked, rolled or steel-cut oats are a great source of resistant starch. This makes them an excellent option for a healthy diet. Uncooked oats, like those used in overnight oats, contain higher amounts of resistant starch compared to cooked oats. This makes overnight oats a practical and delicious way to boost your resistant starch intake.
Consider adding overnight oats to your breakfast routine. Here’s how to make them:
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Mix rolled or steel-cut oats with milk or a dairy-free alternative.
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Let the mixture sit in the refrigerator overnight.
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By morning, you’ll have a ready-to-eat breakfast that’s high in resistant starch and other beneficial nutrients.
This simple preparation method can help you start your day with a nutritious and gut-friendly meal.
Beans and Legumes
Beans and legumes are excellent sources of resistant starch and fermentable fiber. Some types of beans and legumes that offer substantial amounts of resistant starch include:
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Lentils
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White beans
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Kidney beans
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Fava beans (especially when deep-fried or roasted)
These foods not only provide resistant starch but also come packed with dietary fiber, essential nutrients, and fibrous cell walls.
Chickpeas, whether cooked or canned, are another great option. They can be enjoyed in various ways:
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Added to salads
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Added to soups
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Eaten as a side dish
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Eaten as a snack
For those with IBS, well-rinsed canned chickpeas and lentils from a can are considered low in FODMAPs and can be consumed in moderation. However, it’s important to note that beans are typically high-FODMAP foods and may cause digestive symptoms in some individuals.
Incorporating a variety of beans and legumes into your diet can enhance your resistant starch intake while providing a range of other health benefits. Whether you prefer them in soups, salads, or as a main dish, these versatile foods can easily be included in your meals to support gut health. Some examples of beans and legumes to consider are:
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Black beans
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Chickpeas
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Lentils
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Kidney beans
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Navy beans
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Pinto beans
Try experimenting with different recipes and flavors to find your favorite way to enjoy these nutritious foods.
Barley and Sorghum
Barley and sorghum are whole grains that are high in resistant starch and provide additional fiber and essential nutrients. These grains support gut health by promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and improving digestive function.
Including barley and sorghum in your diet is simple and can be done through a variety of dishes. Barley can be used in soups, stews, salads, and even as a base for risotto. Sorghum, on the other hand, can be popped like popcorn, used in pilafs, or ground into flour for baking. These whole grains not only enhance your resistant starch intake but also offer a wealth of other nutritional benefits.
Plantains
Plantains, both yellow and green, are high in resistant starch and are a staple in many tropical diets. These starchy foods are versatile and can be used in a variety of culinary preparations, including:
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frying
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baking
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boiling
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grilling
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mashing
Try experimenting with different cooking methods to discover your favorite way to enjoy plantains.
Green plantains, in particular, are rich in resistant starch and can be used in dishes such as tostones (fried plantain slices) or added to stews and soups. Yellow plantains, while slightly sweeter, still offer a good amount of resistant starch and can be grilled, baked, or mashed.
By incorporating plantains into your diet, you can enjoy their unique flavor and health benefits.
Pearl Barley
Pearl barley is rich in resistant starch, which can support digestive health. Additionally, it contains a variety of vitamins and minerals essential for overall well-being. However, it is high in FODMAPs due to its content of fructans and galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), which can cause digestive issues for some individuals.
Despite its FODMAP content, pearl barley can be a nutritious addition to your diet if you tolerate it well. It can be used in various ways, such as:
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Soups
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Stews
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Salads
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Side dish
Its rich nutrient profile and resistant starch content make it a valuable food for promoting gut health and overall well-being.
Hi-Maize Resistant Starch
Corn-based Hi-maize resistant starch is a versatile ingredient that can be added to various meals to increase their resistant starch content. Most commercial varieties of hi-maize resistant starch contain 40-60% resistant starch.
This type of resistant starch can be easily incorporated into your diet by adding it to baked goods, smoothies, or even as a thickening agent in soups and sauces. Its neutral taste and ability to blend seamlessly into dishes make it an excellent option for boosting your resistant starch intake without altering the flavor of your meals.
Green Peas
Another excellent source of resistant starch is green peas. They are a great addition to a balanced diet. They are high in resistant starch, making them a valuable addition to your diet for promoting gut health. However, it’s important to note that green peas are also high in FODMAPs, specifically galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), which can cause digestive issues like gas and bloating in individuals with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
If you tolerate green peas well, they can be a versatile ingredient in your meals. They can be added to salads, soups, stews, or simply enjoyed as a side dish. By including green peas in your diet, you can benefit from their resistant starch content while also enjoying their sweet, fresh flavor.
Increasing Resistant Starch in Your Diet
Increasing your intake of resistant starch can be achieved through a few simple strategies. Here are some effective methods:
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Cook and cool starchy foods such as potatoes, rice, and pasta, which significantly increases their resistant starch content.
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Incorporate resistant starch-rich ingredients like potato starch and cassava flour into your baking and cooking.
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Use resistant starch supplements such as green banana flour and hi-maize resistant starch to help boost your intake without altering the taste or texture of your meals.
By adopting these strategies, you can gradually increase your resistant starch intake, enhancing your gut health and overall well-being. In the following subsections, we will explore these methods in detail to provide you with practical tips for incorporating more resistant starch into your diet.
Cooking and Cooling Starches
The process of cooking and cooling starchy foods like potatoes, rice, and pasta can significantly increase their resistant starch content. This phenomenon, known as starch retrogradation, occurs when starches lose their original structure upon heating and then form a resistant structure upon cooling. This method not only enhances the resistant starch content but also retains higher levels even after reheating.
To maximize the resistant starch content, cook your starchy foods and then refrigerate them overnight before consuming. This simple step can make a substantial difference in the resistant starch levels of your meals. Whether it’s a potato salad, rice dish, or pasta salad, this technique can help you boost your intake of resistant starch while enjoying a variety of delicious dishes.
Using Potato Starch and Cassava Flour
Potato starch and cassava flour are excellent sources of resistant starch that can be easily incorporated into your diet. Potato starch, in particular, contains about 80% resistant starch, making it a potent ingredient for boosting your intake. Cassava flour also provides a good amount of resistant starch and can be used in baking and cooking to increase fiber intake.
You can add potato starch to dishes like yogurt, smoothies, or sauces after they have cooled to retain its resistant starch benefits. Cassava flour can be used as a substitute for regular flour in baking, adding a boost of resistant starch to your baked goods. By using these ingredients, you can effortlessly increase your resistant starch intake and enjoy their health benefits.
Incorporating Resistant Starch Supplements
Resistant starch supplements such as green banana flour and hi-maize resistant starch are convenient options for boosting your intake. Green banana flour can be added to smoothies or baked goods, providing a significant amount of resistant starch without altering the flavor. Hi-maize resistant starch, which is often made from corn, can be mixed into yogurt, soups, or other foods to enhance resistant starch content without significantly changing taste or texture.
By incorporating these supplements into your diet, you can easily increase your resistant starch intake and enjoy its numerous health benefits. Some versatile supplements to consider adding to your pantry include:
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Green banana flour
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Potato starch
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Plantain flour
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Hi-maize resistant starch
These supplements can be used in various recipes, making them an excellent addition to your pantry.
The Role of Resistant Starch in Gut Health
Resistant starch plays a crucial role in supporting gut health by promoting the growth of healthy gut bacteria and producing beneficial short-chain fatty acids. When resistant starch ferments in the large intestine, it feeds the good bacteria, helping to maintain a balanced gut microbiome. This fermentation process produces short-chain fatty acids like butyrate, which are vital for colon health and can help reduce inflammation and support the health of the digestive system.
The presence of resistant starch in the diet can also enhance the production of other beneficial compounds such as acetate and propionate, which contribute to overall gut health. By promoting the growth of beneficial microbes, resistant starch helps improve digestion, boost immune function, and reduce the risk of inflammatory bowel diseases and other digestive disorders. Including more resistant starch in your diet can therefore have a profound impact on your gut health and overall well-being, while also supporting the function of digestive enzymes.
Potential Side Effects and Considerations
While increasing your intake of resistant starch offers numerous health benefits, it’s important to be mindful of potential side effects, especially if you increase your intake too quickly. Consuming high amounts of resistant starch too rapidly can cause gas, bloating, and other digestive discomforts. This is due to the fermentation process in the large intestine, which can produce gas and lead to a mild laxative effect.
To minimize these effects, it’s advisable to gradually introduce resistant starch into your diet. Start with small amounts and slowly increase the quantity over time, allowing your digestive system to adjust. Additionally, drinking plenty of water can help manage any digestive symptoms and ensure that your body handles the increased fiber intake more comfortably.
Compared to other forms of fiber, resistant starch is generally less likely to cause gas, making it a more tolerable option for many people.
Summary
In summary, resistant starch is a powerful dietary component that offers numerous health benefits, particularly for gut health. By promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and producing short-chain fatty acids, resistant starch helps improve digestion, enhance immune function, and reduce the risk of digestive disorders. Additionally, it can aid in weight management by increasing feelings of fullness and reducing appetite.
To reap these benefits, aim to consume 15-20 grams of resistant starch daily. You can achieve this by incorporating high-resistant starch foods like green bananas, potatoes, rice, oats, beans, legumes, barley, sorghum, plantains, pearl barley, and green peas into your diet. Practical strategies such as cooking and cooling starchy foods, using potato starch and cassava flour, and incorporating resistant starch supplements can also help boost your intake. By making these adjustments, you can improve your gut health and overall well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much resistant starch should I consume daily?
You should consume 15-20 grams of resistant starch daily for optimal health benefits.
What are some high-resistant starch foods?
Incorporate high-resistant starch foods into your diet such as green bananas, potatoes, rice, oats, beans, and legumes for their beneficial properties. Try including barley, sorghum, plantains, pearl barley, and green peas in your meals as well!
Can I increase resistant starch in my diet without changing the taste of my food?
Yes, you can increase resistant starch in your diet by using supplements like green banana flour and hi-maize resistant starch, which can be added to various foods without changing their taste.
What are the potential side effects of consuming too much resistant starch?
Consuming high amounts of resistant starch too quickly can cause gas, bloating, and other digestive discomforts. It’s best to gradually increase your intake to avoid these issues.
How does resistant starch benefit gut health?
Resistant starch benefits gut health by promoting the growth of healthy gut bacteria and producing essential short-chain fatty acids, which aid in colon health and can reduce inflammation.