Good day, Seafoodies!
It’s no secret that our digestive system is well-known. With phrases like “trust in your gut” or “the way to someone’s heart lies through their stomach,” we can see why! We give our stomachs a lot of credit for their metaphorical power, but we don’t always provide them with what they need.
Without the right dietary support, our gut microbiome may become out of balance. A spoonful of sauerkraut or yoghurt is good, but a varied diet rich in whole foods like seafood is best for gut health.
Here’s why.
Imagine your gut as a bustling neighbourhood with trillions of tiny inhabitants. These tiny neighbours affect everything from your immune system to your body’s inflammation response and whether or not you feel anxious or stressed.
It is easy to see why it would be important to keep these people happy! According to research, eating seafood regularly as part of the Mediterranean or Atlantic diet increases your gut microbiome’s diversity. Your gut community will become more resilient to life’s little indulgences, like that extra pizza slice or the nasty cold going around.
These diets are packed with benefits. Here are some of them.
Omega-3 Fatty acids
These powerful anti-inflammatory substances help reduce inflammation in your digestive system. Omega-3s are abundant in fish such as salmon, mackerel and tuna. They also contribute to a healthy gut environment. Your gut lining will remain healthier when inflammation is kept at bay. Beneficial bacteria can also thrive. Omega-3s, according to research, may also increase the diversity of microbes in your gut. This will create a more resilient digestive tract.
Complete Proteins
The lining of your gut is constantly regenerating, and protein helps it to do so. Seafood is a complete source of protein, containing all nine amino acids that your body cannot produce on its own. Fish and shellfish are ideal for maintaining the gut barrier, which keeps harmful substances out of your bloodstream.
Vitamin D
This essential nutrient doesn’t just help with bones; it also plays an important role in gut health! Salmon and mackerel, two fatty fish, are natural sources of vitamin D. Vitamin D helps regulate the immune response of your gut and maintain the integrity of the intestinal barrier. It may even help maintain the balance of different types of bacteria in your microbiome.
Selenium
This mineral is often overlooked, but it acts as an antioxidant in the digestive system. Selenium is found in many seafood, including tuna, halibut, and sardines. It helps to protect gut cells while also supporting the immune system.
Phew! Now, that’s a whole lot of nourishing gut power! It’s almost like the Dietary Guidelines for Americans are onto something when they recommend enjoying a minimum of 2-3 servings of seafood a week as part of a complete diet.
Try one of these delicious recipes. They are packed with ingredients that will give your microbiome an extra boost.
