Let’s Talk Nutrition: Broccoli Belly
We’ve heard about effects of GMO frankenfoods on our gut bacteria, as discussed in a recent book called Wheat Belly. Bloating, weight gain, and skin problems are just a few of the problems that people can develop from eating GMO wheat.
What can we do to keep our digestive system healthy? Eating veggies, especially cruciferous veggies like broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage, directly stimulates the growth and healthy balance of good bacteria.
These good bacteria are living organisms that help us detoxify harmful residues on food, maintain healthy hormone balance, and produce B vitamins and immune factors. Eating broccoli salad or a red cabbage slaw is a tasty way to support your digestive system.
Broccoli brings happy to a sad gut
Broccoli can help to revive healthy gut bacteria. A study of 17 people showed that when they were fed a diet of bagels, high fat, and sugar, their gut bacteria changed dramatically, shifting to an unhealthy bacterial community or microbiome. When the participants were given a diet of cruciferous veggies, the population of bacteria changed quickly to a healthier one. The study found that each of the participants had their own unique microbiome, but that it was modified rapidly depending on diet. It was interesting that while broccoli did have a positive influence on the balance of gut bacteria, the result was unique for each person.