5 Gut Healthy Foods You Should Be Eating

 

How can you eat healthy on a budget? With the rising cost of groceries and the growing costs of medical expenses, it’s hard to find ways to save money while still staying healthy enough to be active and avoid illness. While eating healthy foods doesn’t have to be expensive, there are certain foods that are better for your gut than others, and you don’t want to miss out on these foods simply because they’re more expensive than junk food!

 

1) Beans

Beans are a great source of both soluble and insoluble fiber, which are both important for gut health. They also contain prebiotics, which help feed the good bacteria in your gut. Additionally, beans are a good source of protein and contain a variety of vitamins and minerals. Try incorporating beans into your diet by adding them to salads, soups, or chili. Another healthy food you should be eating is apple cider vinegar. It can provide relief from symptoms such as gas, bloating, stomach cramps, diarrhea, and constipation. To reap the benefits of apple cider vinegar you can add it to your salad dressing or put it on your meal before eating.

 

2) Whole Grains

Whole grains are gut healthy foods that are an excellent source of fiber and other nutrients. They can help promote regularity, and may also reduce the risk of heart disease and other chronic conditions. Some good options include oatmeal, brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat bread. These make for excellent breakfast options because they’re hearty and filling. Cereal with milk is another easy gut healthy food to eat for breakfast. Oatmeal with milk or yogurt mixed in is a great option, too! Keep things interesting by adding your favorite toppings like raisins or chopped apples. Or you could try mixing it up with a different flavor every day. For example, one day you could try plain old oatmeal; on another day, you could go savory with oats cooked up as oats au gratin. Quinoa is another type of whole grain that’s high in protein, so it makes for a great meatless lunch or dinner option when paired with beans and veggies like broccoli or spinach.

 

3) Almonds

Almonds are a gut healthy food that are high in fiber and contain monounsaturated fats. These two nutrients help to keep your digestive system running smoothly. Almonds also contain vitamins E and B2, which can help to protect the lining of your gut. Including a handful of almonds in your diet each day can help to improve your gut health. Make sure you purchase raw, unsalted almonds and always remember to chew them well before swallowing. It is recommended that adults consume about 23-30 grams of fiber per day. The typical serving size for almonds is about 14 grams so you would need to eat about 6 servings per day.

 

4) Seafood

Seafood is a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for gut health. Aim to eat two servings of seafood per week. Some good options include salmon, tuna, sardines, shrimp, and scallops. Additionally, fish that have been raised on farms don't require any mercury warnings, like canned tuna. Grass-fed beef: Beef is also rich in protein and can be eaten in moderation due to its high quality fat content. Grass-fed beef has more omega 3s than grain fed beef does. Leafy greens: Leafy greens are loaded with vitamins A, C, K and folate which help fight inflammation in the gut.

 

5) Broccoli

Broccoli is a gut healthy food that is high in fiber and antioxidants. It also contains compounds that have been shown to boost the immune system and protect against inflammation. Plus, broccoli is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K. Try adding broccoli to your next meal for a nutrient-rich boost. One great way to eat broccoli is by incorporating it into this delicious chicken salad recipe.

Broccoli has so many health benefits, it should be one of the foods you include in your diet on a regular basis! Studies show that people who eat more vegetables like broccoli are less likely to develop conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Adding more veggies like broccoli can help improve immunity, digestion, and reduce risk of chronic diseases.