Catch our "Dietitian Talk" live on YouTube the First Friday of the month at 2:30pm (PST).

The latest live Q&A with the founders of Married to Health was packed with knowledge on how to get to the root of gut issues.

Why is Zucchini stellar for our gut? Zucchini, also known as courgette, can grow mature at up to 3.2 feet long. Although zucchini is often considered a vegetable, it is botanically classified as a fruit as it contains seeds– just like its cousin the cucumber from the fruit family as well. It occurs in several varieties, which range in color from deep yellow to dark green. Zucchini can be harvested when it is at its baby stage or when it is more mature– up to six or eight i

What is Zizania Latifolia and why is it amazing for our gut? Zizania latifolia, or Manchurian wild rice, is an East Asian crop often found in China, Japan, and Korea. It typically grows in clusters on wet marshlands. This type of rice is not edible until the stem swells from infection from fungus. Zizania latifolia can grow to 1.5 to 3.0 meters. The seeds can be shelled to reveal a grain, while the outer layer is chewy and the inner grain is soft after cooking. It is often us

Why is adding zest to meals awesome for our gut? Zest can be a wonderful way to spice up your meals! Commonly used in French cuisine, zest refers to shavings of the peel of a citrus fruit. It is traditionally used to add a tart flavor to food or drinks, and it is prepared by scraping or cutting the outside of lemon, orange, grapefruit, lime, or other fruits. The outer peel (where the zest comes from) is where the oils of the fruit are concentrated; these oils are also what g

Why are yams good for your gut? Yams (or the close cousin of the sweet potato) contain a significant concentration of vitamins and minerals! There are upwards of 300 species of yams, but only a few of them are edible. Over two thirds of yams come from Africa, and these plants are grown as an annual crop, but are technically a perennial and grow for the full growing season between frosts. Yams are often mistaken for sweet potatoes which are found in most grocery stores, but t

What is yuzu and why is it good for your gut? Yuzu is a hybrid citrus fruit also known as yuja. It originated in China over 1,000 years ago and now grows in Japan, Korea, and other parts of the world. The fruit is small, with a diameter of 2–3 inches (5.5–7.5 cm). It has a relatively thick yellow skin, has an aromatic flavor, and is more sour than other citrus fruits. Compounds like limonene and linalool are responsible for yuzu oil’s distinct aroma, which carries notes of gr

What is yuca and why is it good for your gut? Yuca, also known as cassava root or Brazilian Arrowroot, is found mainly in South America as well as parts of Africa, the Caribbean, and Latin America. This is a starchy root vegetable that looks similar to a tough-skinned potato. It is commonly eaten in Africa and South America, and is even culturally relevant to Puerto Rican and Latin American cultures. It can be found easily in most grocery stores, though you may have an easier

What is yellow squash and why was it good for your gut? Yellow Crookneck squash is a summer variety of squash. It is available year-round with a peak season in the summer months. For best flavor and texture, yellow squash should be harvested at five to six inches or less in length. Its flavor is mild and buttery with nuances similar to that of black pepper and nuts, similar to that of zucchini. It is not only popular for its mild flavor, yellow squash is a relatively hypoalle

What is Xoconostle and why is it superb for our gut? Xoconostle is the fruit harvested from cactus plants native to Central Mexico, an arid desert region. Xoconostle, otherwise known as prickly pear or cactus fruit, grows at the end of nopales, or cactus paddles, sometimes in clusters of up to a dozen on one paddle or leaf. Xoconostle cactus fruit is pear-shaped, tapering to a point. The flesh of the fruit (ranging from bright green to pale pink) contains a similar texture to

How does mental health relate to gut health? May is Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re partnering with our friends at Pacific Solstice, an integrative psychiatry clinic as we both recognize how important the gut-brain connection is! So just how does the gut affect the brain and brain affect the gut? You have probably experienced first-hand how our mental state can affect our gut, and vice versa. Maybe you’ve had the feelings of “butterflies in your stomach” during moments o

What is Ximenia and why is it amazing for our gut? Ximenia is also known as: American plum, blue sour plum, monkey plum, mountain plum, seaside plum, Spanish plum, wild plum, hog plum, and yellow plum. In taste, the ximenia fruit is very unique and varied, anywhere between almondy-bitter to super sweet. The Ximenia plum, vibrant in its orange-red color, grows in parts of Central and South America, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands. However, it is native to the tropical e

Why is watermelon great for our gut? Watermelon is one of the most hydrating foods; 92% of watermelon is made up of water. Because of its high water content, watermelon can help ease digestion by keeping the bowel and stool hydrated. Keeping stool hydrated with water-rich foods can be extra beneficial as a large percentage of the water found in watermelon makes its way into the gastrointestinal tract, rather than being shared with the blood and urine. The water is released as

Several different conditions can lead to symptoms surrounding the gastrointestinal (GI) tract but two common conditions which may occur together are irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). For world IBD day this year, let's take a look at the overlap between IBS and IBD! How can IBS and IBD be similar? Those who may be experiencing IBS may see symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, or mix, Invisible disease and nerve pain/ sensitivity. It is pre

What is watercress and why is it good for your gut? Watercress is a leafy green vegetable in the Brassicaceae family of vegetables and similar to the slightly bitter taste of arugula. Once considered a weed, it was first cultivated in the UK in the early 1800s but is now grown in watery beds throughout the world. It is packed with antioxidants and other vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, calcium, vitamin C, and manganese. One cup (34 grams) of watercress provides over 1

Why are walnuts good for your gut? Walnuts have a crunchy texture and neutral flavor, making them extremely versatile! You can add them to anything savory, sweet, or spicy. Walnuts are an excellent source of healthy fats, they are loaded with fiber, and contain plenty of antioxidants and nutrients! They contain many different vitamins and minerals such as copper, folic acid, phosphorus, vitamin B6, manganese, and vitamin E, as well as specific essential fats like ALA (alpha-l

What is wakame and why should we eat it? Wakame is a type of edible seaweed that has been cultivated in Japan and Korea for centuries. In addition to bringing a unique taste and texture to soups and salads, wakame is low in calories but high in several nutrients that are essential to health! If you are not already a seaweed lover, wakame is an amazing food to introduce into your diet and to expose to your gut! It contains vitamins and minerals such as Iodine, Manganese, Fola

How do food allergies relate to your gut? May is Food Allergy Action Month, and in honor of this we want to talk about how food allergies are important to understand, address, and how they are related to other gut disorders! According to Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE), food allergies affect 32 million Americans, including one in every 13 children. A food allergy is a serious and possibly life-threatening medical condition that occurs when an individual’s immune sy

What are Velvet Beans and why are they vital for our gut? Velvet beans, also called mucuna pruriens, are a type of legume native to African and Asian regions. The pods are inedible due to their tough exterior. However, the seeds can be boiled and eaten. They have traditionally been used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat a variety of diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease. Fun fact about velvet beans: they actually have anti-venom properties, so it is effective against snake venom

Why is Vanilla Bean great for our gut? Vanilla beans are from the vanilla plant which is cured and then either used in cooking, or processed to extract the essence used for flavor and fragrance. Vanilla beans can have a sweet scent with a smoky flavor. However, the vanilla bean spice can also provide a variety of benefits for the body and mind! Vanilla beans come from South and Central America, as well as the Caribbean. They contain important micronutrients such as calcium, m