Khaberni - According to a new study, one often-overlooked ingredient contains vital nutrients known to boost gut health. As reported by "The Independent".
Yogurt is often touted as an important source of prebiotics and kombucha drinks as the best way to help improve gut health. But scientists are now urging a closer look at home trash bins, revealing an often-overlooked ingredient that can provide the same benefits while maximizing the use of vegetables, which often end up automatically discarded in trash bins.
Radish tops
Leafy vegetables found at the top end of radish fruits are typically thrown in the trash, as only the zesty root is commonly used. However, a new study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry and "Agricultural and Food Chemistry" indicates that the leaves contain more gut-health-boosting nutrients than the typically used tuber.
The trillions of bacteria
Eating foods rich in fibers and other key nutrients ensures that the trillions of bacteria naturally living in the gut are well-fed.
Researchers analyzed the green tops of radishes and found higher concentrations of polyphenols - compounds rich in anti-inflammatory properties - compared to those in radish roots.
Compounds that reduce inflammation
It was also found that these often-ignored vegetables are rich in flavonoid compounds, natural plant compounds that help reduce inflammation and boost beneficial gut bacteria.
These nutritional compounds, such as polysaccharides and antioxidants, have been shown in many laboratory and animal studies to help the growth of beneficial gut microbes, suggesting, according to researchers, that they might also enhance overall gut health in humans.
New dietary supplements
Scientists say their study could lead to the development of a new kind of dietary supplement designed to harness gut healing properties found in radish tops. They added that their findings demonstrate the potential to harness leafy vegetables to reduce metabolic diseases, improve gut health, and provide anti-cancer properties. Among other superfoods known for their gut-health-enhancing properties, Korean kimchi and kefir, a yogurt-like beverage, both are fermented foods rich in beneficial gut bacteria.
"Gut Health Doctor"
Dr. Megan Rossi, known as the "Gut Health Doctor," told "The Independent" stating "Kefir is close to yogurt, and the main difference is that it contains more diverse microbial strains. It has been around for thousands of years, but the recent focus on gut health over the past few years has brought it back to the forefront".
Weight Loss
Dr. Rossi added that the benefits of the fermented drink include helping with weight control and treating heart diseases and inflammations.
She explained that recent scientific research has linked gut health "to nearly every organ in the body," such as metabolism, hormones, skin, and the brain.
Role of Technology
Dr. Rossi concluded by saying, "Technology has enabled us to understand the immense power of gut microbes precisely," expressing her belief that ultimately, everyone aspires to feel better, which in turn leads to improved appearance."
