A health expert has revealed the ‘number one food for gut health‘, suggesting it could outshine leafy greens like spinach and kale.
As many are eager to strengthen their immune system during the colder months, focusing on gut health is key to maintaining overall body wellness. While it’s widely accepted that fruits and vegetables are good for our health, one medical professional has argued there’s a particular vegetable that surpasses the rest.
The account @PCOS.Thyroid.Weight.Loss took to TikTok to say: “You may be thinking it’s kale, cabbage, or spinach, and don’t get me wrong, these veggies are super healthy for your gut.”
“But sometimes they can be problematic, like for example in SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth), Candida, or digestive issues when you just don’t digest them well. The safest option is celery, which pretty much always works. It’s very easy to digest [and] it has pectin-based polysaccharides, which help to improve the lining of the stomach.”
He added: “Celery is also antimicrobial, so can help with gut disorders. Eat celery and drink celery juice.”
Celery has been previously praised as a ‘negative-calorie food’. This doesn’t mean that it contains fewer than zero calories, but that it requires more calories to digest than it provides to the body.
It is also a high-fibre food which aids gut health and keeps hunger at bay which can aid in weight loss. Additionally, it’s packed with Vitamin A, supporting immune function alongside enhancing eye and skin health.
MedicineNet states: “As per research, celery contains a unique compound called 3-n-butylphthalide (BuPh) that reportedly has lipid-lowering powers (cholesterol is a lipid). BuPh also has a calming effect on our central nervous system that may help promote better sleep.”
BBC Good Food further adds that celery is beneficial for heart health, aids digestion, is great for blood sugar management and weight management, and could even potentially boost memory.