What is Nori and why should we eat it? Nori is a seaweed or algae that grows along the salty shores. Nori has long been a staple in Asian cultures and can be featured in sushi, salads, soups, and stews. There are several types of seaweed including nori, kelp, wakame, kombu, dulse, and blue-green algae, such as spirulina and chlorella. Nori is a nutritious and gut-friendly food that is rich in nutrients that may be beneficial in thyroid function, digestive health, and even wei

Why are nectarines great for your good gut? Nectarines are a stone fruit seasonal in the summertime that have a similar taste, nutritional profile, and texture as peaches. Some may even say that nectarines are just hairless peaches! To know when nectarines are ripe press them lightly, they will be slightly soft under pressure. Nectarines are a nutrient dense snack that is great on the go, and lovely baked or cooked. Nectarines are low in fat and calories and contain many vita

What are navy beans, and how are they beneficial for your good gut? Navy beans are a dry white bean that is smaller than many other types of white beans. They have a soft, velvety texture and a slightly nutty taste. Soaking your navy beans in cold water overnight helps soften them, makes them more digestible, and shortens the cooking time. If you don't want to soak beans, be prepared to cook them a little longer. Navy beans have a superior nutrient profile and offer numerous

Why are navel oranges great for your gut? Navel oranges got their unique name because of their peculiar human-naval-like formation found opposite the stem-end; this unique trait helps them to be easily identified as compared to other varieties. Navel oranges are a California staple and are in season from winter to late spring. If you like your fruit extra sweet, navel oranges are the oranges for you! Not only are they extremely hydrating and contain 87% of water, they are als

What is millet and why is it good for your gut? Millet is a cereal grain that is primarily grown in African and Asian countries. This resilient crop can survive in harsh conditions such as droughts and less fertile soil making it a staple for many. While it may look like a seed, millet’s nutritional profile is similar to that of sorghum and other cereals. As for its taste, it has a mild corn-like flavor, slightly a little sweeter compared to other grains. If toasted before co

Why are mandarins great for your good gut? Mandarins are on the go, easy to peel, sweet and citrusy fruit. Mandarins may look like an orange but they are actually a different species from oranges. There are many kinds of hybrids of mandarins, including tangerines, and clementines. That being said, mandarins have an impressive nutritional profile, packing vitamin C, fiber, and other essential nutrients. Mandarins contain fiber, vitamin C, magnesium, potassium, copper, and iron

What is great about mung beans? Mung beans are small, green beans that are native to India, China, and various parts of Southeast Asia. These beans have a slightly sweet taste and are sold fresh, as sprouts or as dried beans. They aren’t as popular in the US but can be purchased from most health food stores. Mung beans are high in protein and are a nutrient-dense powerhouse compared to other legumes. In just one cup of cooked mung beans, they contain 14 grams of protein, fol

How is mint beneficial for your good gut? Mint is a popular aromatic herb known for its freshness that is often used for its medicinal properties. There are so many different kinds of mint but the most common are spearmint and peppermint. Mint contains many vitamins and nutrients such as vitamin A, iron, manganese, folate, and it is high in antioxidants. Mint is higher in antioxidants when compared to other herbs and spices, and this helps to fight off oxidative stress in the

Why are Kiwis outstanding for our gut? Kiwis may be little in size but they are mighty in nutrients and flavor. They are described as round with a fuzzy brown peel and a seeded green juicy flesh inside that is sweet and citrusy. However, not all kiwis are green: there are actually gold, purple, and even red kiwis. Don’t be fooled by the color, all of the different varieties offer many great #Goodgut benefits! Kiwis can be eaten as is or blended into smoothies. This sweet de

What is Kimchi and why is it amazing for our gut? Kimchi is a popular Korean dish consisting of pickled, fermented vegetables, similar to sauerkraut but with garlic, ginger, and chilies. It comes in several different forms and can range from mild to super spicy, depending on preference. The vegetables are cut, salted, then fermented over some time: the result is a tangy gut-promoting mixture. It is great for salad dressings, on top of grains, made in sushi, eaten in stews, or

Why is Kale extraordinary for our gut? Kale has made its big debut the last few years as a very “trendy” superfood. Kale is a type of cruciferous vegetable, specifically a part of the brassica oleracea family; cabbage, cauliflower, collard greens, and brussel sprouts are other common members of this family. Kale can be eaten in several ways: it can be blended into smoothies, sautéed with vegetables, massaged with oil for a salad, put in any type of food, and baked for delicio

What is Kabocha and why is it great for our gut? Kabocha squash is native to Japan and is a staple at most Japanese restaurants. It is described as dark green with faint stripes or spots on the outside with a flesh that is a yellow/orange in color. Kabocha squash has a nutty, earthy, yet sweet taste; it is said to be similar to a mixture of sweet potato and pumpkin. Like other kinds of winter squash, this squash can be roasted, steamed, baked, or even fried. Kabocha provides

What makes lentils so great for your gut? Pulses are edible seeds from the legume family including beans, peas, chickpeas and lentils. Pulses are nitrogen-fixing crops that improve the environmental sustainability of cropping systems– this means they bring nitrogen back to the soil, improving its quality and nutrients for themselves and other plants that grow there! Lentils come in a variety of colors; the brown and green varieties retain their shape well (some more fully tha

What kind of benefits does Lychee provide for your gut? Lychee? What is this exotic berry? This fruit is native to China and fresh lychee can be usually found in Asian markets. Underneath the hard, bumpy husk is tender, white flesh with a sweet strawberry-watermelon flavor that covers an inedible stone, which is the fruit’s seed. Lychee can be eaten raw on its own and can even be an excellent addition to fruit salads, sauces, desserts, and beverages. This fuzzy red berry is

What makes lima beans great for your good gut? The lima bean is a type of legume known for its mild flavor, creamy texture, and unique color, which can range from beige to green. They are also known as the butter bean, double bean, or wax bean; whatever you know them as, they are a great plant protein option that can be convenient as you can purchase them dried, frozen, or even canned. Delicious and versatile, lima beans are also highly nutritious and have been linked to seve

Why are lemons great for your goodgut? Lemons may be sour to taste, but that shouldn’t dissuade you from incorporating more of them into your diet. This bright yellow citrus fruit possesses a distinct sour taste because it is rich in citric acid. The lemon’s unique flavor makes it a popular ingredient in drinks, desserts, and meals. Almost all parts of a lemon can be used in cooking and cleaning! Like other plant food options, lemons have also been used medicinally; they are

Did you know that poor diet is the leading cause of mortality in the world? Preventable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer are highly influenced by our diet. So what diet is most protective against disease? Why Plant-Based? When researching which diets are the most beneficial to preventing disease, plant-based diets are consistently associated with protective factors. While most critics of the plant-based diet have previously argued there is little

Why are Jalapeños great for our gut? Jalapeño peppers are widely known as a food you should avoid, especially if you are worried about experiencing heartburn, but in moderation they could be beneficial for your gut health. This is because these spicy chilis contain a variety of nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin C, beta-carotene, potassium, vitamin K, folate, and even vitamin B vitamins! These micronutrients (such as vitamin A, C, and beta-carotene) act as wonderful antiox

What is Jicama and why is it good for our gut? Jicama, sometimes referred to as yam bean, Mexican turnip, or Mexican potato, is an edible root vegetable native to Mexico. It has a similar look to a potato but has more nutrients and benefits. The Jicama root has a fresh and crunchy texture and can be eaten sautéed, baked and even raw like a fruit. Many people compare the flavor to a potato and a pear, or even a water chestnut: a somewhat nutty flavor has also been mentioned.

What are Juniper Berries and why are they wonderful for our gut? Juniper berries have been used since ancient Egyptian and Greek times for their medicinal healing properties. These strongly scented herbs are mostly found growing in Europe, North America, and even Asia. Although the name and look of a Juniper Berry can resemble a sweet, juicy berry similar to a blueberry, it is the opposite. Juniper berries are not like fruit at all, they actually have a tart, pine-like flavor