Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.
Close Banner
Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.

I'm A Gastroenterologist & This Is My Favorite Leafy Green For Gut Health

Olivia Giacomo
Author:
December 03, 2021
Olivia Giacomo
mbg Social Media Associate
By Olivia Giacomo
mbg Social Media Associate
Olivia Giacomo is mbg's Social Media Associate. A recent graduate from Georgetown University, she has previously written for LLM Law Review.
11 Genius Ways to Eat Your Greens
Image by mbg Creative x iStock
December 03, 2021

When it comes to nourishing your gut health, we at mbg are all about identifying which foods will give you the biggest bang for your buck. In addition to staples like yogurt and fermented foods, leafy greens can pack a powerful punch when it comes to supporting your gut microbiome and overall health. Take it from integrative gastroenterologist Marvin Singh, M.D., who recently shared his list of top 10 foods with us on the mindbodygreen podcast. His first pick? Arugula.

Below, we dive into the reasons this veggie is such a gut-supporting star.

Why arugula is one of Singh's favorite greens.

Arugula is a type of cruciferous bitter green, which, according to Singh, "[makes it] good with digestion and bloating." Cruciferous vegetables support the gut with fiber and prebiotics1, which nourish its good bacteria. Research suggests that when prebiotics are combined with probiotics2, the latter is more likely to survive and flourish3 in the gut. What's more, leafy greens have been shown to support heart health, thanks to their nitrate content—which can support healthy blood pressure levels and cardiovascular function4.

In addition to gut health benefits, Singh lauds arugula as "a source of calcium, potassium, folate, and different kinds of vitamins," including vitamin C for immune health, vitamin K for heart health, and vitamin A for immune, eye, skin, and reproductive health.

In addition to these health benefits, Singh appreciates arugula's slightly peppery flavor. "I love adding it to a salad or mixing it on any kind of dish," he says. "It gives a little spice to your food, a little flare to it. People say, 'Oh, my salad is monotonous.' Well, do something different. Put some cilantro in there, put some arugula in there, and all of a sudden you're eating something different, even though it's really still a salad." (For what it's worth, Singh touts cilantro as another gut-healthy staple; he even calls the spicy garnish a "super-herb.")

If you're looking for some creative recipes that incorporate the superstar veggie, check out this pear, tempeh, and arugula sandwich or this healthy fall salad.

The takeaway.

According to Singh, we don't give arugula enough credit. Not only does the cruciferous veggie support your gut, but it also contains a host of antioxidants to enhance whole-body health. And, like Singh, you can include the peppery green in a variety of recipes.

Watch Next

Enjoy some of our favorite clips from classes

Watch Next

Enjoy some of our favorite clips from classes

What Is Meditation?

Mindfulness/Spirituality | Light Watkins

Box Breathing

Mindfulness/Spirituality | Gwen Dittmar

What Breathwork Can Address

Mindfulness/Spirituality | Gwen Dittmar

The 8 Limbs of Yoga - What is Asana?

Yoga | Caley Alyssa

Two Standing Postures to Open Up Tight Hips

Yoga | Caley Alyssa

How Plants Can Optimize Athletic Performance

Nutrition | Rich Roll

What to Eat Before a Workout

Nutrition | Rich Roll

How Ayurveda Helps Us Navigate Modern Life

Nutrition | Sahara Rose

Messages About Love & Relationships

Love & Relationships | Esther Perel

Love Languages

Love & Relationships | Esther Perel

Related Videos (10)

What Is Meditation?

Box Breathing

What Breathwork Can Address

The 8 Limbs of Yoga - What is Asana?

Two Standing Postures to Open Up Tight Hips

How Plants Can Optimize Athletic Performance

What to Eat Before a Workout

How Ayurveda Helps Us Navigate Modern Life

Messages About Love & Relationships

Love Languages

Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.

More On This Topic

more Food
Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.
Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.