Banana bread is a quintessential comfort food for fall, and this fiber-packed version adds an extra layer of gut health support. The combination of prebiotic-rich bananas and whole grains ensures your gut flora thrives while you indulge in a warm, moist slice.
Ingredients:
- 1 overripe banana
- 1 scoop of clean vanilla protein powder
- 1 tbsp ground flaxseed
- 2 tbsp Hilma Daily Fiber + Digestive Enzymes
- Preferred milk
- Cinnamon
Instructions:
- Add 1 overripe banana to a small bowl.
- Mash and mix the banana.
- Add 1 scoop of clean vanilla protein powder.
- Add 1 tbsp ground flaxseed.
- Add 2 tbsp Hilma Daily Fiber + Digestive Enzymes.
- Mix ingredients in bowl.
- Add a dash of your preferred milk to create desired consistency.
- Top with cinnamon.
- Enjoy with a piece of dark chocolate.
Gut Health Benefits of ingredients:
1. Banana
Bananas are a popular fruit that’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrients that benefit your gut.
Gut Health Benefits:
- Prebiotic fiber: Bananas contain prebiotic fibers, particularly in their less-ripe form. Prebiotics feed the beneficial bacteria in your gut, promoting a healthy microbiome.
- Rich in pectin: Pectin is a type of soluble fiber in bananas that helps improve digestion by regulating bowel movements and softening the stool. This can help relieve constipation and promote regularity.
- Easy to digest: Bananas are soft and easy to digest, making them a great option for people with digestive issues such as gastritis or acid reflux.
- Electrolytes: Bananas are high in potassium, an electrolyte that helps maintain fluid balance in the digestive system, which can help with digestion and prevent bloating.
2. Protein Powder
Protein powder is a concentrated source of protein that can support gut health, especially when you choose high-quality, clean formulas with minimal additives.
Gut Health Benefits:
- Aids in tissue repair: Protein is essential for the repair and regeneration of cells, including the cells in the gut lining. Collagen protein, in particular, contains amino acids like glutamine, which help repair the gut lining.
- Easily digestible: Many protein powders are formulated to be easily digestible, making them an excellent option for individuals with sensitive digestive systems.
- Minimal ingredients: High-quality protein powders without artificial sweeteners or additives are less likely to cause digestive issues such as bloating or gas, making them gut-friendly when consumed in moderation.
3. Flaxseed
Flaxseeds are a nutritional powerhouse, offering a variety of benefits for gut health due to their high fiber and omega-3 fatty acid content.
Gut Health Benefits:
- High in soluble fiber: Flaxseeds contain both soluble and insoluble fiber, which helps promote regular bowel movements and prevent constipation. The soluble fiber absorbs water and creates a gel-like consistency that softens the stool, while insoluble fiber adds bulk.
- Supports gut flora: The fiber in flaxseeds also acts as a prebiotic, feeding the beneficial bacteria in your gut and supporting a healthy microbiome.
- Rich in omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3s in flaxseeds help reduce inflammation in the digestive system, which is beneficial for those with inflammatory conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or Crohn’s disease.
- Promotes regularity: Flaxseeds are a natural way to support regular bowel movements and ease digestive discomfort. When ground, they are more easily absorbed, enhancing their digestive benefits.
4. Hilma Daily Fiber + Digestive Enzymes
Hilma's Daily Fiber + Digestive Enzymes is designed to support gut health with a blend of natural fibers and enzymes that improve digestion and promote regularity.
Gut Health Benefits:
- Blend of soluble and insoluble fiber: This product provides a combination of fibers that promote healthy digestion. Soluble fiber helps soften stool and support gut flora, while insoluble fiber adds bulk and ensures smooth movement through the digestive tract, aiding in regular bowel movements.
- Digestive enzymes for better nutrient absorption: The digestive enzymes included in this blend help break down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, improving overall digestion and nutrient absorption. This is especially beneficial for people who struggle with bloating or indigestion after meals.
- Reduces bloating and discomfort: By promoting proper digestion and reducing the chances of undigested food fermenting in the gut (which often leads to gas and bloating), Hilma’s blend can help alleviate common digestive issues.
- Gut microbiome support: The fiber in this formula acts as a prebiotic, feeding the beneficial bacteria in your gut. This helps to maintain a balanced microbiome, which is essential for overall digestive and immune health.
Each of these ingredients provides key nutrients and support for digestive health. Together, they can help maintain regularity, reduce bloating, and promote a healthy gut environment, making them valuable components of a gut-friendly diet.
