A nutritional therapist has revealed that a common vegetable could be the key to improving gut health and boosting the immune system.
Maz Packham, a nutritional therapist, has highlighted the benefits of sugar snap peas, which are rich in vitamin K and folate, and can support ‘beneficial bacteria’ in the gut.
Speaking to the Independent, Maz said: “Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that we need to consume through food for collagen production, to support iron absorption and for a healthy functioning immune system.
“Sugar snaps are also a good source of vitamin K and folic acid, which are abundant in green vegetables, and they are a great source of fiber that supports beneficial bacteria in the gut and good digestion.”
The NHS states that vitamin K helps heal wounds and blood clotting, with adults needing around 1 microgram per kilogram of body weight daily, which is achievable through a balanced diet.
Maz’s advice is part of a series of recommendations on which vegetables are best consumed raw, with celeriac, kale and sweet potatoes also on the list.
Once a rare sight on British dinner tables, sweet potatoes have soared in popularity in recent years and have earned superfood status for their potential cardiovascular benefits, according to the Daily Express.
Consultant dietitian Sian Porter explained in the publication why sweet potatoes can be beneficial for heart health. She stated: “Sweet potatoes are a source of potassium, among other nutritional benefits. Potassium is an essential mineral that contributes to the maintenance of normal blood pressure as part of a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
“The DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), based on robust research studies, has been shown to effectively lower blood pressure. Sweet potatoes are not only a source of potassium, but also count as a serving of your five daily meals, because and because it is high in fiber and very low in salt, tick many of the food choices for controlling high blood pressure,” reports Gloucestershire Live.
Besides sweet potatoes, other foods suggested to help lower blood pressure include nuts, apples, avocados and green tea.
Besides sweet potatoes, other foods suggested to help lower blood pressure include nuts, apples, avocados and green tea.
As well as dietary changes, the NHS recommends lifestyle changes such as reducing alcohol intake, quitting smoking, limiting caffeine consumption, regular exercise, weight loss and reducing salt.
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