Will Bulsiewicz, MD, MSCI, a gastroenterologist, famend intestine well being professional, and creator doesn’t purchase into all of the costly new “tremendous elixirs” and fancy powders that pop up on our screens each different Instagram advert. He as an alternative focuses on complete, natural meals to construct a easy but efficient smoothie for wholesome digestion—and a slew of different constructive well being outcomes.
Here is what goes in Dr. Bulsiewicz’s morning smoothie for intestine well being:
- One banana
- A handful of spinach
- Blueberries (he particularly loves wild blueberries, which may be discovered within the freezer aisle)
- Flax seeds
- Natural soymilk (you too can sub one other milk various like coconut or almond)
This five-ingredient smoothie could seem slightly lackluster after we’re used to seeing smoothie recipes with substances within the double-digits on social media. However these 5 easy-to-find—to not point out, reasonably priced—substances are a stellar mixture for supporting a wholesome intestine and digestive tract. Not solely does this smoothie pack in a whopping 16 grams of fiber—practically two-thirds of the every day beneficial baseline for girls and half for males—but it surely additionally affords a slew of different well being advantages that can have you ever craving this contemporary begin to the day every morning. Study extra on the gut-boosting advantages you may reap from every of the smoothie’s substances beneath.
1. Bananas
Sure, bananas are a healthful instrument for sweetening up a smoothie, however they’re chock-full of important vitamins, too. This tropical fruit is an efficient supply of magnesium and potassium, that are important electrolytes that assist practically each system within the physique perform at their finest (together with the digestive system). A medium banana additionally affords three grams of fiber and is a good supply of vitamin B6, which helps a wholesome metabolism and immune perform.
2. Spinach
Darkish leafy greens are extremely nutrient-rich, and spinach particularly is loaded with nutritional vitamins A, C, and Okay. Spinach can also be a sneaky supply of plant-based iron and protein. Spinach will get its daring, darkish inexperienced coloration from chlorella, a inexperienced algae that’s related to combating irritation by decreasing free radical injury within the physique. You’ll get slightly fiber enhance by including it to your smoothie as nicely, with about two grams per cup of uncooked spinach.
3. Blueberries
Berries are one of many most nutrient-dense meals on the grocery store, boasting excessive fiber content material, longevity-boosting polyphenols, and vitamin C. Blueberries are not any exception, and wild blueberries particularly are thought of essentially the most gut-friendly and antioxidant-rich of all, which might do wonders to your immune system and irritation. One cup affords a hefty six grams of fiber, and you will discover reasonably priced natural choices at Dealer Joe’s.
4. Flaxseed
Flax seeds are one of many finest sources of ALA omega-3 fatty acids and only one tablespoon affords 90 p.c of your every day wants. Flax seeds are additionally an excellent supply of fiber (three grams per serving) and magnesium (they supply 12 p.c of the every day worth per serving) whereas providing three grams of plant protein as nicely. You’ll need to attain for floor flaxseed for smoothies whereas common flax seeds are nice for topping salads or garnishing your favourite toast toppings. In addition to being a gut-friendly decide for Dr. Bulsiewicz’s smoothie, flax seed consumption can also be linked to higher sleep, hormonal steadiness, and improved psychological well being.
5. Soy
Soy is a main supply of diet for 2 of the 5 Blue Zones—Okinawa, Japan and Loma Linda, California—and for good purpose. One cup of soymilk affords eight grams of protein, two grams of fiber, and it is a wonderful supply of a number of nutritional vitamins and minerals.
For extra professional intel on intestine well being, take a look at this dietitian’s explainer:
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