Resistant Starch Foods: How They Help With Detoxing

When it comes to detoxing, most people immediately think of juice cleanses, fasting, or restrictive diets. However, there is another way to help your body detox naturally, and it involves eating certain types of foods: resistant starch foods.

Resistant starch is a type of carbohydrate that resists digestion in the small intestine and instead passes through to the large intestine where it ferments, producing short-chain fatty acids. These fatty acids have been linked to a host of health benefits, including improved gut health, reduced inflammation, and better insulin sensitivity. But perhaps most importantly, they can aid in detoxing the body.

Resistant starch foods have been shown to enhance the body’s natural detoxification process by binding to toxins and carrying them out of the body. This is because the fermentation of resistant starch produces butyrate, which has been found to increase the activity of detoxification enzymes in the liver.

So, what are some examples of resistant starch foods? Here are a few:

1. Bananas: Green bananas are a great source of resistant starch, with up to 70% of their starch content being resistant. Try adding sliced green banana to your smoothie, or try baking green banana chips for a crunchy snack.
2. Beans and legumes: These are a great source of both fibre and resistant starch. Try adding kidney beans to your salad, or making a chickpea hummus as a healthy snack.
3. Oats: Oats are a great source of fibre and resistant starch, and are also packed with other nutrients like iron and magnesium. Try making overnight oats with rolled oats, almond milk, and chia seeds for a quick and healthy breakfast.
4. Sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes are a great source of fibre, vitamins, and minerals, and also contain resistant starch. Try roasting sweet potato wedges as a healthy side dish, or make sweet potato toast for a fun and unique breakfast.
5. Whole grains: Whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, and barley are great sources of fibre and resistant starch. Try swapping out your regular rice for brown rice, or make a quinoa salad for a healthy and filling lunch.

Incorporating resistant starch foods into your diet is a simple and delicious way to aid in the body’s natural detoxification process. So, next time you’re looking for a healthy snack or side dish, reach for one of these resistant starch foods and give your body the detox support it needs.