When choosing healthy canned foods, look for fiber, no- or low-sodium and no added sugar.
There’s no denying the convenience of canned foods — and did you know certain ones are also great for your gut? Canned foods can be easy sources of prebiotics and fiber that promote a healthy microbiome and digestive system.
Plus, some canned foods also contain antioxidants with proven benefits for keeping your gut happy and healthy. That said, not all canned foods pack these perks, so read on to learn how to choose gut-healthy canned foods and the top choice to pick up on your next Costco run.
Next time you’re at Costco, grab a package of S&W Canned Black Beans. They’re one of the easiest, tastiest ways to promote gut health. Not only that, but these black beans are super versatile. Here’s what makes them so great for your gut.
In just ½ cup of these canned black beans, you’ll get 9 grams of fiber, or about one-third of your DV. Fiber is arguably the most important nutrient for gut health, and these beans have loads of it. There are two kinds of fiber — soluble and insoluble — with each providing slightly different functions. Soluble fiber helps draw water in to soften stool and slows down digestion, while insoluble fiber adds bulk to the stool to help you stay regular. As a bonus, soluble fiber can help lower cholesterol to prevent heart disease. Good news: Black beans are a good source of both.
Not only do black beans supply fiber, they also contain resistant starch that acts as a prebiotic in your gut. This type of fiber resists digestion in the small intestine and gets fermented in the lower gastrointestinal tract. The process produces short-chain fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation in the colon, protect against colon cancer and maintain the integrity of your gut lining. Plus, prebiotics in beans serve as food for the good bacteria in the gut, helping them to grow and thrive.
Canned black beans are incredibly convenient to use because they require little to no prep work. Add them to a skillet, chili, fajita bowls or one of these other Recipes to Make With a Can of Black Beans. Adding black beans to your meals adds a plant-based source of protein and iron that everyone could stand to eat more of. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend eating 1 to 3 cups of beans, peas and lentils per week, but most people in the U.S. don’t meet this mark.
There are certain nutrients with proven benefits for gut health, whether you’re buying fresh, frozen or canned food. These include:
You can find most of these nutrients in plant foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes. Probiotics, however, are mostly found in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, kombucha or kimchi.
It’s no surprise that the most gut-healthy canned foods are generally canned fruit, veggies or legumes. Canned, frozen or fresh, they’re a good source of fiber, prebiotics, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to support gut health and more.
When purchasing these canned foods, look for options that are low in sodium, saturated fat and added sugars. Eating too much of these may harm your gut microbiome and disrupt your intestinal lining, which can lead to worsening digestive and overall health.
Look for a “low sodium” or “no added sugars” label on the front of the can. You can also check the Nutrition Facts panel. Whenever possible, try finding options with no more than 10% of the Daily Value per serving of sodium, added sugar and saturated fat.
Canned black beans aren’t the only canned food worth picking up at Costco for a healthy gut. Here are a few other good-for-you options:
Next time you’re at Costco, don’t leave without picking up a package of S&W Canned Black Beans. In just one serving, you’ll get 9 grams of fiber to stay regular and promote the growth of healthy bacteria in your gut. Plus, they’re easy to add to any meal of the day, including in omelets, rice bowls, tacos and salad.
