Welcome to Gut Instincts
Hello and welcome back to another episode of Gut Instincts. I’m your host, Dr. Steven Gundry, and today we’re diving into the tropical paradise of flavors with exotic fruits. These fruits not only tantalize your taste buds but also offer a wealth of benefits for your gut health. But are all exotic fruits good for your gut? Let’s find out as we rank these exotic foods from S to F. S stands for superfood, and F means it belongs in the trash!
The Superfood: Dragon Fruit
The first exotic fruit on our list is dragon fruit. Dragon fruit has been shown to improve weight loss by enhancing the good bacteria in your gut. Don’t be afraid or intimidated by its appearance; this fruit is a neglected weight loss tool. If you can get your hands on it, yes, it’s quite expensive, it’s worth every penny for its health benefits, giving it an S on our ranking scale.
The Nightshade Dilemma: Goji Berries
Next, we talk about goji berries, often crowned the darlings of health enthusiasts everywhere. However, here’s the bad news: they belong to the nightshade family and are loaded with lectins. Despite the hype, goji berries are not suitable for your gut and belong in the trash.
Rambutan: Southeast Asia’s Wonder
Rambutan, a cousin of lychee and native to Southeast Asia, is an expensive exotic fruit. It can help build a resilient digestive system and reduce constipation. Packed with nutrients like vitamin B5, vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, calcium, folate, and choline, it’s a fantastic fruit despite being costly.
Starfruit: A Stellar Choice
Starfruits are becoming increasingly common and have compounds that nurture your good gut buddies. With low fructose content, it deserves an A on our list. It’s a good choice for those mindful of their sugar intake.
Passion Fruit: A Must-Have
Passion fruit, one of my personal favorites, is loaded with polyphenols and soluble fiber. If you can find passion fruit, it’s worth eating. It’s considered a must-have item in some parts of France and Italy during its season, earning it a superfood status in my book.
The Notorious Durian
Durian, the large spiky fruit from Southeast Asia, is notorious for its strong smell, which has led to it being banned in many public places. Despite its pungent odor, durian is nutrient-dense, supporting digestive function, colon health, and filled with dietary fibers. However, it’s an acquired taste, giving it a rating of C.
Mangosteen: The Bacteria Fighter
Mangosteens, rich in fiber, aid the growth of healthy bacteria and have antibacterial compounds. They are low in calories and abundant in essential nutrients, making them a sought-after fruit in Asian communities and a solid A on our chart.
Guava: A Cautionary Tale
There are many varieties of guavas, some packed with sugar, leading to its nectar being a giant can of sugar. However, smaller guavas are loaded with polyphenols and less sugar, placing them at a C. Be cautious of the sugar content when indulging in guava.
Cacao Pods and Their Dark Side
Cacao pods, surprisingly not brown in their natural state, are a delightful surprise. Fermentation transforms them, boosting polyphenol and brain-enhancing compound levels. If you enjoy chocolate, opt for extra dark chocolate with high cacao content, devoid of polyphenol-stripped versions.
Breadfruit: The Future Staple
Rich in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, breadfruit is gaining popularity due to its adaptability and health benefits, making it a promising addition to diets amidst climate change. Already prevalent in hot, humid climates, it’s poised to become more accessible worldwide.
Conclusion and Recap
So, to recap, we have some real superfruits like dragon fruit, passion fruit, and cacao. Others, like rambutan and starfruit, deserve your attention as well. However, some fruits, while exotic, require caution, like goji berries and guava. The key is to enjoy these fruits in moderation and consider their seasonality to maximize their health benefits. Remember, eat smart and feel great!
