10 Foods That are Healthier For Your Gut and Taste Great

These days it’s becoming increasingly hard to decipher the best foods to eat that will not only allow you to wake up feeling great but also help you live a long healthy life. From the popular keto diet to eating higher amounts of protein, the list of options can be mind-boggling.

While there are many diet fads out there, more and more research shows that maintaining a healthy gut is crucial to longevity and supporting a healthy lifestyle. Because the gut and the brain are connected, this becomes much more important. Fortunately, by including certain types of food in your diet, you can take the guesswork (and the research) out of it. To help you along the way, we’ve compiled 10 foods that are not only incredibly healthy for your gut but also taste great, too!

Sauerkraut

Topping our list is sauerkraut, which is incredibly nutritious and high in probiotics. Made with fermented, finely cut cabbage, sauerkraut can tend to be an acquired taste—at least for some people. If that sounds like you, try incorporating it into your diet in more creative ways. For instance, sauerkraut is great topped on a bratwurst or added to a stew.

Garlic

Who doesn’t love garlic? Not only is garlic good for digestion, but it has quite a few other health benefits, including boosting your immune system, lowering blood pressure, and reducing the risk of dementia, among others. Not to mention, garlic is an easy addition to your diet because it’s found in quite a few meals. Try this Whole Roasted Garlicky Herb Chicken for a tasty weeknight meal.

Yogurt

The next food on the list probably won’t surprise you. For many years, yogurt—particularly Greek yogurt—has been known as one of the best foods to help balance your gut microbiome. This is mainly because it contains many healthy probiotics which increases the good bacteria in your gut. It’s also great topped with fruit, granola, and honey, which is the perfect way to start your day.

Asparagus

If you’re looking to incorporate more veggies into your diet, then you’re going to love this one. Asparagus is one of those superfoods that is more often than not easy on your stomach. Plus, it’s packed full of benefits, including increasing your gut health. Asparagus includes high levels of antioxidants and is a great anti-inflammatory food. Looking for a tasty side dish? Try this Roasted Asparagus recipe!

Kimchi

Like sauerkraut, kimchi is also made with cabbage (along with other nutritious vegetables) and is packed full of probiotics, which is great for your gut health. However, kimchi is quite different than that of sauerkraut. For one, it’s a Korean side dish that is on the spicier side and is typically added to soups and stews as well as used to top rice or it can be eaten on its own.

Tempeh

Made from fermented soybeans, tempeh is similar to that of tofu in that it is high in probiotics and other nutrients, such as B vitamins, Zinc, and Copper. Tempeh is incredibly versatile and because it’s so high in protein, it can be used in a variety of dishes. In fact, many vegans and vegetarians cook with tempeh frequently as a plant-based alternative to meat.

Artichokes

A delicious and nutritious gut-friendly food that would be a good addition to your diet is the artichoke. Containing both probiotics and prebiotics, the artichokes is the perfect superfood that works to create and maintain a healthy digestive system. Try it topped on a salad, use it in a healthy dip, or even roast them on their own with salt, pepper, and a little lemon. You won’t be disappointed.

Oats

It’s no surprise that oats are incredibly good for your health: they’re packed with fiber, lower cholesterol, and contain antioxidants. But did you know that oats are also incredible for gut health? So good, in fact, that it helps regulate your digestion and restores healthy gut bacteria. You can start your day with oatmeal topped with berries or make your favorite baked goods with oats instead of flour, like these delectable Oatmeal Cookies.

Berries

There are so many great benefits of berries that the list is virtually endless. Berries are not only a fantastic source of antioxidants, but they also regulate blood sugar levels, fight inflammation, and are packed with fiber, which is great for your gut. Plus, it’s easy to incorporate this fruit into your diet.

Beans and Legumes

If you’re concerned that beans will cause you to become gassier, you’re not alone. Besides, that’s what they’re known for. But this is actually a good thing. Beans and legumes actually increase levels of healthy bacteria in your gut and fight inflammation. So, be sure to include these superfoods in your regular diet!

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Masha Avena/Shutterstock.com.