FOODS THAT BOOST GOOD BACTERIA

KIMCHI

THIS spicy Korean version of sauerkraut delivers healthy bacteria and active compounds to your gut and produces vitamin K2, which has anti-angiogenic properties (i.e. it blocks the formation of rogue new blood vessels that can help cancers grow). Extracts from kimchi have been found to kill cells from colon, bone and liver cancer, as well as leukaemia. Kimchi is, however, high in salt so eat in moderation.

SAUERKRAUT

THINLY sliced cabbage is fermented with lactic acid — producing bacteria to form a microberich ‘pickle’. One bacterium ( Lactobacillus plantarum) is anti-inflammatory.

PULSES

BEAN and lentils of all kinds are packed with the kind of fibre your gut bacteria love. Studies show bean-eaters (300g-400g per day) have more healthy bacteria.

MUSHROOMS

ALL TYPES of mushroom contain their own microbiome that is both anti-angiogenic and activates the immune system. Shiitake mushrooms contain compounds which can reverse the changes to the microbiome that typically accompany old age.

YOGHURT

LIVE varieties have both a prebiotic (feeds good gut bacteria) as well as probiotic (introduces bacteria) benefit which can increase the elimination of cholesterol, aid glucose control and prevent cardiovascular disease.

POMEGRANATE JUICE

CONTAINS bioactives that can metabolise into a compound which has anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activity.