Speaking of Shallots — Have You Heard of Prebiotics?
What they are, why they matter, and how to get more of them in your diet!
Gut health gets a lot of attention for many good reasons. Trillions of
different microbes live in your gut and play essential roles in your digestive health, metabolic function, nutrient absorption, immunity, mood, and mental
wellbeing!
There are several ways you can support your gut health, including eating probiotic-rich foods foods like yogurt, kefir, miso, fermented veggies or sauerkraut, kimchi, and others.
But while probiotics get lots of attention, many people aren’t as familiar with prebiotics.
The simplest way to understand the difference is that probiotics contain live strains of
bacteria, and prebiotics contain substances that feed those microbes. Prebiotic fibers
are found in foods like onions, shallots, garlic, leeks, Jerusalem artichokes, underripe
bananas, pears, asparagus, oats, and many others.
Some emerging research suggests that extra virgin olive oil may also support gut health
by encouraging the growth of beneficial bacterial communities and through the anti-
Inflammatory properties found in olive oil polyphenols.
When it comes to diet, the best way to promote gut health is to eat a wide variety of
nutrient-dense foods, emphasizing fiber-rich fruits, veggies, legumes, and whole grains,
as well as foods that contain both pre- and probiotics.
Try tossing roasted spring asparagus, garlic, and onions with a drizzle of our new
shallot-infused olive oil and a sprinkle of our sea salt for a gut-friendly side dish that’s as
delicious as it is nourishing. Or roast chickpeas with your favorite olive oil and spice blend for a crunchy, savory snack supporting your gut.
Beyond what you eat, physical activity, stress management, and getting sufficient, quality sleep can all help promote a healthy microbiome.
Want more gut-friendly, meal-time inspiration? Check out some of our favorite recipes
on our website, including these mouthwatering roasted truffle Brussels sprouts with
cider-pickled shallots and this peas and asparagus salad!