Dr. Steven Gundry says chia seeds are bad!
Dr. Stephen Gundry The Energy Paradox
This week Dr. Steven Gundry, 4x NYT bestselling author and infamous heart surgeon, released his latest book: “The Energy Paradox.” This book is the 6th book in Dr. Gundry’s Paradox series and looks at how to boost energy to combat a top health issue that plagues so many Americans—Fatigue. Gundry takes a holistic approach as he explains proper consumption is key in order to revitalize your mental and physical stamina. In Dr. Gundry’s book he shares the “Energy Paradox Program Food Rules” and 30 “Plant Paradox-approved recipes.” Dr. Gundry’s first rule hits close to home.
Rule 1: Eat Foods Rich is Prebiotic Fiber
For years Americans have been hearing about the importance of taking a daily probiotic. However, Dr. Gundry explains that what is even more important than probiotic consumption is prebiotic consumption. Prebiotics “feed the good bacteria” as they support “the health and reproduction of your gut buddies.” The beauty of this process is that when your gut is “fed” properly by prebiotics, it will signal to the brain that its needs have been met. Dr. Gundry explains that you will feel less hungry and will start to “crave the kind of foods that nourish your gut buddies” and “they’ll return the favor by nourishing you and your mitochondria.” Essentially, consuming prebiotics fibers leads to a healthier gut, less cravings and leaves you feeling more satiated. Prebiotic fibers are the key aspect to support the health of your microbiome.
Where Can I Find Prebiotics?
It is clear that prebiotics are essential, but where can we find them? Dr. Gundry explains that there are foods rich in prebiotic fiber such as “pressure-cooked beans and legumes, leeks, asparagus, onions” and the “basil seed.” Dr. Gundry goes on to say that his favorite way to get in his prebiotics is through consumption of the soaked basil seed. Just 1 tablespoon of basil seeds will supply you with 27% of your daily fiber needs, 15% of your daily calcium intake, 15% of your iron intake and 10% of your daily magnesium intake. All of these reasons, on top of basil seeds being loaded with prebiotic fibers, are reasons Dr. Gundry loves to incorporate the seeds in his diet.
The Humble Seed
In the second half of The Energy Paradox, Dr. Gundry shares 30 Plant Paradox-approved recipes. He explains that for a few years now, “Chia seed pudding has been a food trend….but unfortunately chia seeds are terrible for your gut. Enter the humble basil seed.” Chia seeds are inflammatory, and filled with lectins while the basil seed is anti-inflammatory and is lectin free. Additionally, in a gram to gram comparison, Zen Basil Seeds have 2x the amount of fiber, potassium, calcium, and iron than the chia seed. For all these reasons and more, Dr. Gundry recommends switching out your chia seed pudding for basil seed pudding. He then shares a killer basil seed pudding recipe which puts the chia puddings to shame.
The Energy Paradox Giveaway
To celebrate Dr. Gundry’s new book we gave away 2 VIP tickets to his virtual book launch. Our winners also got a gift box with a signed book and 3 bags of Zen Basil seeds. We want to thank Dr. Gundry for his continuous contribution to the health and wellness community and his unsolicited support for small women owned businesses like Zen Basil. Doctor Gundry shares the benefits of the edible basil as he is on a mission to create a healthier society. We are so thankful be on this journey with him as we find more energy in our lives!