
I read this information in an article from the journal, Current Opinion in Gastroenterology. What research shows is resistant starch, something that ends up in our bowel, in pretty much the same form it entered into your mouth, is a powerhouse at work. As unappetizing as that may sound, once the starch gets into our bowel it does some really important things including promoting the growth of good bugs and keeps the bad bugs away. Research showed that resistant starch helps the body resist colorectal cancer through mechanisms including killing pre-cancerous cells and reduces inflammation that can promote cancer.
Resistant starch is found in peas, beans and other legumes, green bananas, and also in cooked and cooled starchy products like rice and pasta salad. You have to consume it at room temperature or below--as soon as you heat it, the resistant starch is gone. But eaten correctly, it kills pre-cancerous cells in the bowel. Resistant starch also has implications for the prevention of breast cancer, and remember, what research shows is what prevents breast cancer also prevents prostate cancer.
These studies continue to show why a diet high in protein, (animal protein) and low in carbohydrates is so detrimental to our health. When I say carbohydrates I do not mean the white bread, rice, pasta, etc...everything we know is really not good for our health or our weight. We need to include brown rice, whole-wheat pasta and bread, beans, peas and other legumes. These foods are the powerhouses fighting off all the toxins that end up in our intestines. Dr. John McDougall has always promoted keeping "good starches" front and center of your diet for just this reason. Keep these foods on the menu!
Resistant starch is found in peas, beans and other legumes, green bananas, and also in cooked and cooled starchy products like rice and pasta salad. You have to consume it at room temperature or below--as soon as you heat it, the resistant starch is gone. But eaten correctly, it kills pre-cancerous cells in the bowel. Resistant starch also has implications for the prevention of breast cancer, and remember, what research shows is what prevents breast cancer also prevents prostate cancer.
These studies continue to show why a diet high in protein, (animal protein) and low in carbohydrates is so detrimental to our health. When I say carbohydrates I do not mean the white bread, rice, pasta, etc...everything we know is really not good for our health or our weight. We need to include brown rice, whole-wheat pasta and bread, beans, peas and other legumes. These foods are the powerhouses fighting off all the toxins that end up in our intestines. Dr. John McDougall has always promoted keeping "good starches" front and center of your diet for just this reason. Keep these foods on the menu!
This recipe is from The New McDougall Cookbook:
POTATO-LEEK SOUP
4 cups peeled and chunked potatoes
4 cups water
2 leeks, white parts only, washed well and sliced
1/2 t onion powder
1/4 t garlic powder
1/8 t freshly ground pepper
1/4 t dried dill
1/2 c chopped scallion
- Place the potatoes, water and leeks in a medium-sized pot. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 30 minutes.
- Transfer to a blender and process until smooth and creamy. Or, transfer only half of the soup to a blender or processor and blend until smooth and creamy. Return to the pan and stir to mix. This will yield a creamy soup with chunks of vegetables.
- Add the remaining ingredients, Heat through, on low, for about 10 minutes. Serve.