Pharmaceutical companies all over the world have been racing against each other to find drugs that act like two hormones produced in our intestines that stimulates insulin production and curbs the appetite. These two hormones are known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and peptide YY (PYY). They make insulin available to cells, especially fat cells which in turn help to break down more fat that is used to provide more energy to the body. Aside from breaking down the fats, they have been found to trigger satiety, which means that they also effectively turn off hunger signals.
Companies have long been trying to find a way to stimulate these cells for a longer term than just after a full meal and they have found that a certain kind of fiber in whole grains provides a way. These fibers are called fermentable fibers. What they do is they provide energy for the bacteria that reside in the intestine. However, there are good and bad bacteria in the intestines. Good bacteria such as lacto-bacillus and bifidus are introduced into the body by ‘probiotics’ while ‘prebiotics’ feed them so that their numbers will flourish. Fermentable fibers called oligofructose found in whole grains have ‘prebiotic’ powers. They have been found to increase the numbers of beneficial bacteria in the intestines. The levels of the two hormones, GLP-1 and PYY, more commonly called ‘skinny hormones,’ also increased. Not only that, the blood levels of these hormones also increased.
Tests with mice showed that after being fed a diet containing fermentable fiber, the mice had half the body fat of animals that were not fed the fiber. They make you break down your body fats a lot faster and they also give you that satiated feeling so eat less. Whole grains do more than just melt fat, though. Research had previously established that they enhance digestion, lower blood pressure and “bad” cholesterol levels, and reduce levels of dangerous inflammation. Thus, eating a good portion of these fermentable fibers brings a whole lot of good to our bodies than just helping us keep the weight down.
