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Prebiotics are substances, primarily indigestible carbohydrates like inulin, that promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract. These beneficial bacteria are known as probiotics. Prebiotics are naturally found in foods such as artichoke, asparagus, bananas, chicory, garlic, and onions. The term "prebiotic" can also refer to the chemical or environmental precursors that existed before the origin of life.123

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