Jill Ovnik is a certified food educator and culinary instructor for The Cancer Project, a not-for profit organization based in Washington D.C., a Food For Life Instructor for www.PCRM.org and the founder of www.vegangal.com
Diets high in fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains can enhance the health of microbiota (gut bacteria), according to an article by the Physicians Committee’s Meghan Jardine, M.S., in Diabetes Spectrum.
Western diets high in fatty meats and low in fiber have a negative effect on gut bacterial health, increasing inflammation, obesity and diabetes risk. To improve gut health, consume plant-based food sources of PREbiotics, PRObiotics, and 25 to 38 grams of fiber per day.
Prebiotics include leeks, asparagus, garlic, onions, whole wheat, oats, soybeans, and bananas. Probiotic sources include sauerkraut, kimchi, tempeh, soy sauce, miso and water kefir.
Did You Know... ?
CHIA seeds have been a staple food source for centuries. It is packed with Omega-3 fatty acids, iron, calcium, and protein and is a complete source of dietary protein providing all of the essential amino acids. In roughly 2 ounces of chia, there are 600 mg. of calcium contrasted with 120 mg. of calcium in the same amount of milk.