Foods for the intestinal flora: EVOO in the microbiota
As scientific studies advance, more evidence is extracted about the relationship between the intestinal microbiota and health of the people. Since it is mainly housed in the digestive system, you may think that this link is only at the gastrointestinal level. However, the impact goes much further and contributes to preventing or reducing symptoms in cardiovascular, metabolic or mental diseases, for example. What do you have to do for it? We tell you the role of the microbiota in your body, the guidelines for its care and the most regenerative foods for the intestinal flora, among them, extra virgin olive oil.
What is the microbiota and what is it for?
The first thing you should know is what the intestinal microbiota or flora is. This term refers to the community of thousands of microorganisms that inhabit the digestive tract. That is, they are all those bacteria, viruses and fungi that live and develop inside you. They are “good” yes, since they play a fundamental role in your health. Specifically, the intestinal flora helps digest food, absorb nutrients, produce vitamins and protect your body against infections.
Now, consuming foods for the intestinal flora and following healthy lifestyle habits in this sense has more effects beyond your digestive well-being. In fact, a study published in the magazine Circulation, from the American Heart Association, has shown that there is a correlation between microbiota and cardiovascular diseases. Other job carried out by the Institute of Human Virology (IHV) of the University of Maryland (UMSOM), also shows the relationship between this bacterial community and the fertility or pregnancy development. Likewise, the microbiota can also be an early biomarker of degenerative diseases, como el Párkinson, según otra investigation. It is even involved in mental health. Did you know that the treatment of diseases such as depression or anxiety through the microbiota?
How is the intestinal flora strengthened?
As you can see, strengthening the intestinal flora is key to maintaining good physical and mental condition. What tips should you follow to pamper your microbiota?
- Follow a healthy diet. Advisable foods for intestinal flora include fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes. Similarly, you can also include probiotics in your menu, that is, good bacteria that you can find in fermented products, such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut or kombucha. Also, avoid processed foods, sugars and saturated fats.
- Avoid tobacco consumption. This checked that the harmful substances in this product cause an imbalance in the intestinal flora.
- Reduces stress levels. According to the studies, the cortisol generated in this state alters the functions of the intestine, reducing the barrier of “good” bacteria and facilitating the access of “bad” bacteria.
- Get enough sleep. Sleep and the microbiota have a close bidirectional relationship. On the one hand, proper shedding allows the body to regenerate this community of bacteria. On the other hand, having a healthy intestinal flora contributes to sleep better.
What foods to eat to regenerate intestinal flora?
To the list of foods for the intestinal flora mentioned above, you should add one more: extra virgin olive oil. And it is that one investigation of the University of Jaén has confirmed the benefits of extra virgin olive oil in the microbiota. Keep in mind that EVOO is rich in bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols and oleic acid, which have probiotic properties and promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the intestine.
Thus, through a test on mice, the scientific team has shown that a diet rich in butterIn addition to raising blood pressure, the presence of Desulfovibrio increases in mouse feces. Although this microorganism is not harmful per se, becomes harmful when levels increase, being associated with the development of metabolic syndrome. For its part, Refined vegetable oils, such as sunflower or coconut, generate a pro-inflammatory intestinal microenvironment, which is a risk factor for the development of pathologies, such as colorectal cancer. However, With the consumption of EVOO the parameters were not modified, maintaining the balance of the intestinal flora.
Therefore, if you are looking for foods for the intestinal flora, remember that EVOO contributes significantly to strengthening the microbiota and improving your health. AND If in addition to worrying about your body, you also want to take care of your palate, try the extra virgin olive oils from Hacienda Guzmán, five Premium varieties made under the highest quality standards to make the most of the properties of this delicacy.
