3 Fall Ingredients for Gut Health
We've said it before, and we'll say it again: gut health is incredibly important and it starts with what you eat!
As the seasons change, so does our diet and what we eat on a regular basis. We go from eating cold, fresh salads and fruits to warm soups and hardy pasta dishes. So, what are some seasonal ingredients we can add to our fall recipes to ensure our gut is happy and healthy?
1. Butternut Squash
Butternut squash has 7g of fibre per cup, which feeds those friendly bugs we call microbiome and helps with our digestion. Butternut squash also contains Vitamin A which helps to prevent infections and a nutrients called "Beta-carotene" which helps to support your immune system.
2. Apples
Apples have a powerful prebiotic in them called "apple pectin", this prebiotic feeds your microbiome and helps to heal your gut-lining. Apples also contain both soluble and insoluble fibre.
Soluble fibre helps to slow down your digestion which helps you to feel full longer. Meanwhile, insoluble fibre can help move food through your system and aid with digestive issues such as constipation.
Now we understand why people say "An apple a day keeps the Doctor away"!
3. Cinnamon
Research suggests that cinnamon helps support the optimal environment for your good gut bacteria to thrive, while suppressing the growth of bad bacteria. This effect happens because the bioactive chemicals in cinnamon adjust to your body’s specific needs.
So, how can you incorporate more of these ingredients in your weekly meals? Try these vegan and vegetarian recipes this fall season.
1. Butternut Squash and Apple Casseroles
2. Krispy Kale Salad with Roasted Butternut Squash and Apples
3. Butternut Squash, Apple and Cinnamon Soup