Multiple levels of health benefits from resistant starch

Abstract

Resistant starch (RS) is the indigestible portion of starch and can escape the small intestine and be fermented in the colon. The potential health benefits of RS have been widely studied in both animal studies and human clinical trials. The objective of this perspective review is to summarize and discuss recent evidence on multiple levels of health benefits from RS, including its influence on food intake, satiety, body weight and composition, glucose and insulin response, blood lipids profile, inflammation and oxidative status, and gut microflora and health. While more and more promising results have been reported, especially, on controlling postprandial glycemic response and modulating gut health, some uncertainties still exist regarding the effect of each specific type of RS. Additionally, more research is needed to maximize the beneficial effects of RS in the human diet.