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.

This Not-So-Underrated Fruit Is A+ For Your Gut & Metabolism

Olivia Giacomo
Author:
September 17, 2024
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.
Image by Raymond Forbes LLC / Stocksy
September 17, 2024
We carefully vet all products and services featured on mindbodygreen using our commerce guidelines. Our selections are never influenced by the commissions earned from our links.

When it comes to the best foods for gut health, staples like yogurt, sauerkraut, and sourdough may come to mind. While these options certainly do the trick, variety is also key to nourishing the gut microbiome.

When gut health expert and author of How To Eat More Plants Megan Rossi, Ph.D., R.D. (aka The Gut Health Doctor on Instagram), joined us on the mindbodygreen podcast, she rattled off her favorite gut-friendly staples—and she thinks apples don't receive nearly as much credit as they deserve.

They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away, and Rossi would wholeheartedly agree. Below, she highlights how the fruit can optimize your gut and metabolism.

Why apples are A+ for your gut & metabolism

Your gut health affects so many bodily functions, including, yes, your metabolism. In fact, the gut-metabolism axis is very much real, as it refers to the intersection of gut health and metabolic function. Essentially, because of the interplay between your gut, your brain, and your hormones, the healthier your gut, the stronger your metabolism.

Here's where apples come into play: "People don't realize that an apple contains close to a hundred million bacteria," Rossi explains.

Plus, they contain a variety of fibers, which is key for gut health. "The reason why fiber is linked to so many health outcomes is because it feeds our gut bacteria," Rossi adds. "Although we talk about fiber like it's one thing, there are close to a hundred different types of fibers, and we need [diversity] to get optimal gut health... there are at least eight different types of fibers [in apples], which then feed different gut bacteria."

In addition to their fiber content (which also helps you feel fuller for longer), apples—namely, red apples—contain the phytonutrient1 quercetin, which has been shown to fight free radicals and promote healthy aging, provide allergy relief, and support the immune system2.

Lastly, apples are a good source of vitamin C3, with one medium apple providing 10% of the daily value. Not bad for a midday fruit break.

The takeaway

If you're looking to nourish your gut bacteria and support your metabolism, look no further than a juicy apple—it's time we give the classic fruit the credit it deserves.

And for more of Rossi's favorite foods for metabolic health, check out this article and tune in to the full episode on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, or check out the video below! 

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.