The #1 High-Protein Snack for Better Gut Health

We are a nation of snackers: most US -growing food eat at least one snack every day. Snacking is so significant that data indicate that snacks contribute to about 20% of the total calorie intake of most adults per day.

It is not difficult to find a snack that tastes good. From fries to chocolate, a delicious nosh is easy to get. However, it can be difficult to find the perfect snack that brings both a taste and nutrition into harmony. In particular, finding a snack that checks two important boxes – high in protein and good for intestinal health – can feel like a difficult task.

In this article we will examine the top choice of a gastroenterologist for a protein snack that is fantastic for your intestinal health-and tastes great to boot! Regardless of whether you are looking for something to promote your training, surprise you between meals or simply improve your digestive system, we have covered you.

Choose healthy snacks

By choosing the right snacks, many potential health connections can offer to alleviate potential concerns regarding digestive health and even add important nutrients to their diet.

“The key is to choose snacks that actually strengthen our health, and not those who zap our energy and ruin our afternoon,” says Will Bulsiewicz, MDA gastroenterologist and US medical director of Zoe.

The perfect way to achieve this? Bulsiwicz According to decisions that are viewed both protein and fiber. “This is the ideal combination for saturation, which means less” hunger “with a happy, satisfied belly. Both protein and fiber stimulate the GLP 1 release, the natural version of Ozempic,” he says. How come? Fibers feeds intestinal bacteria and produce anti -inflammatory chemicals that stimulate the release of this natural hormone in our body, explains Bulsiewicz.

Published examinations carried out by Zoe show that the consumption of ultra -proiced snacks with less quality is associated with little fiber and protein such as sweets or cookies with higher triglycerides, poorer blood sugar control and more hunger. However, snacks that are processed minimally, such as fresh fruit and vegetables, nuts and seeds, had the opposite effect, says Bulsiewicz. “This study proves that snacking is in no way bad, but if you have snacks, you want to choose high -quality snacks,” he says.

The best snack is Edamame

In the search for a protein snack that supports intestinal health, there are some snacks that check both boxes. When we asked Bulsiewicz about his top election, he was happy to share that Edamame is the best protein snack for better intestinal health.

Why Edamame? The young, tender soybeans are “inexpensive, delicious and snacks on a mug provides 18 grams of protein and 8 grams of fiber, which firmly pressed into only 188 calories,” says Bulsiewicz. He also points out that this snack can contribute to keeping you full due to its protein and fiber content to support weight management goals.

His possibility to prepare Edamame is to buy frozen edamame pods, pour them into a microwave-related bowl with 2 tablespoons of water on the floor, to seal them and 3 to 4 minutes to microwave. “Add a scatter of salt by taste. You can go with sea salt, but the next stage would be scaly maldon salt,” he recommends. It is also a nice option to dust it with Aleppo pepper.

Preliminary evidence indicates that soy protein can have remarkable effects on intestinal health. For example, research on animals showed positive effects on the intestinal microbiota when soy protein was consumed. Data on women after menopause also showed that the absorption of soy-Isoflavons (connections in soybeans with estrogen-like properties) can be associated with advantageous changes in the intestinal bacteria.

Edamame can also be enjoyed as a hummus or as an ingredient in Falafel. An alternative option is a dry edamame that is previously packaged in various flavors in many shops.

Other snack ideas

Try these other protein, good -friendly snacks:

• Almond: “Half a cup of almond packs in 15 grams of protein and 8 grams of fiber, not to mention healthy fats and minerals,” says Bulsiewicz. Studies show that the body produces Butyrat when digesting almonds, a short -chain fatty acid that serves as a primary energy source for colon cells and promotes healthy colon food.
• Greek yogurt: The Greek yogurt is full of probiotics and is not only a lot of protein, but also excellent for intestinal health.
• Hummus: Made from chickpeas, hummus provides both protein and fiber and promotes a healthy intestine.
• kefir: Similar to yogurt, Kefir is a probiotic drink that also contains protein.
• Chia -Samenpudding: Made from chia seeds, this pudding is full of protein, fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, all of which contribute to the health of intestine.

Our expert

The inclusion of Edamame in your diet can be a very advantageous snack selection for the promotion of intestinal health and at the same time provide a significant thrust. By selecting nutrient density such as Edamame, you can satisfy your hunger and support your general well -being. A holistic approach for intestinal health means taking into account all aspects of your diet, and deciding on snacks is an excellent step towards a healthier lifestyle.