Dr. Steven Gundry, world class regenerative medicine expert and cardiac surgeon. He believes that the health of our gut is central to our vitality and the way we feel. With over 25 years of experience studying the gut’s impact on health, Dr. Gundry has dedicated two decades to researching the microbiome’s influence on chronic diseases and longevity. His results have tremendous importance for diet, health, and nutrition.
Developing a healthy gut microbe is the key to Dr. Gundry’s vision of maximum health and longevity. One of the balancing acts integral to this harmony is inulin, a prebiotic fiber present in many of those same vegetables. Inulin acts as food for good gut bacteria, working to promote a healthy tummy.
Other inulin-heavy veggies include radicchio, Belgian endive, frisée and puntarelle. These flavorful, colorful choices are good for your gut and are full of nutrients that help support your overall health as well. Artichokes stand out as one of the most nutrient-dense options, packed with inulin and commonly featured in the Mediterranean diet, which is known for its health benefits.
Dr. Gundry names a bunch of other veggies as “gut superheroes,” including cucumbers, artichokes, and radishes. Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, arugula and rapini are all great options that support gut health. These vegetables share two significant traits: high polyphenol content and bitterness. Polyphenols are nature’s super-compounds. They provide a potent one-two antioxidant punch. At the same time, that bitterness in vegetables typically signals their many health benefits.
Here’s how Dr. Gundry’s culinary practices have led him to discover the research I’ve shared here. He recently tricked out Belgian endive to be an original dipping chip for guac. This improves the taste and takes the nutrition of his dishes to a whole new level. This surprising simple combo offers a great picture of how anyone can add more gut-loving foods to their daily routine.
The link between gut health and everything from digestion to mental health to immune response is absolutely huge. A healthy gut microbiome is essential for proper immunity, brain function, and aging with vigor. Growing research is illuminating the complicated relationship between diet and health. Experts such as Dr. Gundry are passionate proponents of adding deep colored, cruciferous vegetables that boost your gut health.
To see more of Dr. Gundry’s unconventional wisdom around nutrition, follow him on Instagram @drstevengundry. He continues to share this hidden but invaluable knowledge and engage with the huge audience available there to spread the word on Twitter.