The five best foods to keep your gut healthy

The health of the gastrointestinal tract depends a lot on the food we eat. Certain foods can cause inflammation in the intestines and provoke the development of diseases. In contrast, others, on the contrary, can improve digestion, relieve inflammation, help the proper absorption of nutrients, etc.

Here are a few foods that are essential for maintaining gut health regularly.

Apples

Due to the high content of pectin (one of the types of soluble fibre), apples can improve the intestinal microflora, on which digestion depends and the work of the immune system and the brain.

Also, pectin lowers the level of “bad” cholesterol and protects against the development of cardiovascular diseases. This is confirmed by a study by scientists from the University of Reading, England.

Bananas

Bananas are high in dietary fibre, including prebiotic fructooligosaccharides, which are excellent “food” for beneficial gut bacteria and promote reproduction.

In addition to prebiotics, bananas are rich in potassium and magnesium, electrolytes needed for muscle contraction and heart health.

Chia seeds

Chia seeds are a real treasure trove of nutrients: they contain fibre, omega-3 fatty acids, potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, selenium, etc. Thanks to such a rich chemical composition, chia seeds can improve digestion, prevent the development of inflammatory diseases, reduce the level of cholesterol and protect from sudden surges in blood sugar.

These seeds are often added to smoothies, yoghurts and cereals, but some people eat them with spoons after soaking them in hot water.

Barley

Barley is a whole grain product rich in prebiotics, iron, B vitamins, potassium, magnesium, selenium and zinc. Usually, barley is used to make porridge, soups, bread, and even homemade beer.

This product keeps the feeling of fullness and reduces appetite for a long time; therefore, it is great for people trying to lose weight.

Onion

If you’re not eating this specific-smelling yet incredibly healthy food, you should fix it, as frequent onions can lower your risk of stomach cancer, one of the most common types of cancer.

Due to their high inulin content (a type of fibre) and fructooligosaccharides, onions promote the growth of beneficial bacteria that reduce inflammation and protect against dangerous diseases.