Gut Loving Pancakes

Creating a THRIVING microbiome

Improving our gut health is the biggest health trend at the moment, so what can we actually do to improve gut health and why should we? 

Our gut, in particular the bacteria living inside it play an integral role in our overall health with the bacterial composition of our gut effecting everything from immunity to metabolism and even mood and mental health. With gut health becoming so popular the market has become overwhelmed with expensive, fancy and sometimes questionable products to help us improve gut health. So the question is, what is the best thing we can do for our gut health to improve our microbiome, improve our immunity and allow us to experience all the health benefits of a diverse microbiome? 

When it comes down to it the answer is quite simple. The number one thing you can do to improve gut health is to consume a diet rich in fibre. Currently most Australian's don't eat enough fibre and aren't getting a balanced intake of the different types of fibres (soluble, insoluble and resistant starches). 

Why is FIBRE so important? 

Okay so we know that fibre helps keep us regular, but fibre plays a much larger role than just helping us toilet. 

Fibre is the key to a healthy, thriving gut microbiome. Non-digestible carbohydrates, like that found in Kelloggs All Bran, are the primary energy source for most of our gut microbes.  These carbohydrates arrive to our large intestine relatively undigested and ready for our bacteria to begin consuming. Without adequate fibre and fibre from a variety of sources including wholegrains, fruits and vegetables we leave our gut bacteria starving and reduce the overall diversity of bacteria. 

The easiest, and cheapest way to improve our gut health is a lot more simple than you may think. EAT MORE FIBRE! 

In light of this, i've got a gut loving, fibre PACKED pancake recipe for you below. Making fibre fun and fancy ;) 

GUT LOVING PANCAKES

1/2 banana

1 egg 

1 1/2 cups milk 

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 cup greek yoghurt

1 1/2 cups wholemeal plain flour

1 cup Kelloggs All Bran

1 1/2 tsp baking powder 

Method: 

1. Mash banana in a small bowl. Add egg, vanilla, yoghurt and milk and mix until combined. 

2. In a large bowl combine Kelloggs All Bran, flour and baking powder. Mix to combine. 

3. Add banana mixture to the flour mixture and stir until just combined. 

4. Heat a fry pay to medium heat and spray with a little oil. 

5. Cook pancakes for 2-3 minutes on each side. 

6. Serve with extra banana and maple syrup. 

Makes 4 large servings of pancakes. Enjoy xx 

Don't forget to tag me on Instagram with your recipe creations @marikaday xx