In other words, you can’t just eat pounds of kale and expect your gut to remain in tiptop shape. Peanuts also contain resveratrol, an antioxidant-like compound that’s the subject of some exciting longevity research. One study found that resveratrol activates sirtuins1; sirtuins, as we know, are key players in the game of cellular aging. For instance, they can help delay the shortening of telomeres, which is what spurs the natural process of aging. Add peanuts’ rich protein content to the mix, and you’ve got yourself quite the gut-healthy, longevity-enhancing snack. In case you’re unfamiliar with sulforaphane, it’s an incredibly gut-healthy antioxidant that has an ability to stabilize free radicals by activating the protein Nfr2, which in turn activates certain antioxidant genes in your body. Sulforaphane also supports your body’s detoxification processes: One study even showed that sulforaphane from broccoli sprouts activated enzymes in the body that picked up pollutants from the bloodstream and flushed them out via urine. “Fermentation transforms our food,” he says. “With sourdough, it’s being facilitated by healthy microbes—bacteria and yeast.” That’s why some people with gluten sensitivity might actually fare well with a slice of sourdough: That fermentation transforms the bread and causes the gluten to diminish substantially, Bulsiewicz notes. As we mentioned, each plant contains a unique blend of fiber that works for specific microbes in your gut—so you want to make sure you’re benefiting from the strengths of all those plants. But it doesn’t have to be that difficult to keep front of mind. Take it from Bulsiewicz, whose go-to breakfast is a simple morning smoothie; he adds banana, oat milk, wild blueberries, arugula, broccoli sprouts, ground flax, hemp seeds, and chia seeds to create a diverse, plant-based morning meal. “It doesn’t require that much effort, and your microbes are absolutely thriving.” Enjoy this episode! And don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or Spotify!
