You may not believe it but our gut microbiome is fascinating! The more I learn, the more in awe I am of what these little bacteria do for our health. The bacteria in our bodies actually outnumber our own cells. The best way to keep these friendly bacteria working properly is to feed them. That's right, what you eat actually feeds other organisms in your body. Unfortunately, when people eat the standard American diet of low-fiber, highly processed & fattening foods, these bacteria perish and actually start eating away at the stomach lining. This can cause "leaky gut" syndrome as toxins and undigested foods creep through the stomach lining and leads to inflammation. Inflammation is a precursor to all kinds of illnesses including obesity, diabetes, heart disease and autoimmune disorders.
What's the best foods to feed these little powerhouses you ask? Fiber! Fiber only comes from plant-based foods including vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, lentils, nuts and seeds. All animal products including meat, dairy and eggs are devoid of fiber. The gut bacteria break down fiber and produce short chain fatty acids, which help to reduce inflammation. Take a moment to read "How the Western Diet Has Derailed Our Evolution" for more on this fascinating topic and stay tuned next month for more! See below for classes to learn how to best keep yourself healthy by feeding your gut microbiome with fiber-rich foods. A very Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!
Holiday Carmelized Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients:
- 8 pitted dates
- 1/2 cup water
- 3 cups Brussels Sprouts, sliced in half
- 2 cup fresh, organic cranberries
- 1 tablespoon miso paste
- 1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 red onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup almonds, Brazil nuts or walnuts (optional)
- Ground pepper, to taste
Directions:
- In a food processor or blender, blend dates & water until creamy. Set aside.
- Over medium-high heat, sauce onions until soft & then add Brussels, along with miso, 1/2 cup veggie broth and cranberries.
- Cook for about 10 minutes. Cover & stir often.
- Add date paste and any additional vegetable broth as needed.
- Sprinkle with nuts prior to serving (optional)
Recipe from Naked Food Magazine
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