Building a gut-healthy diet starts with having the right ingredients on hand. When the right foods are in your pantry, eating well becomes a default rather than an effort. Three seeds belong in every gut-conscious kitchen: chia seeds, flaxseeds, and basil seeds.
A gut specialist recently highlighted these three seeds as the best for digestive cleansing and support, and their ease of use makes them perfect pantry staples. Here’s what to look for when buying them and how to store and use them effectively.
Chia seeds are available in most supermarkets and health food stores, and they keep well for up to two years when stored in a cool, dry place. Buy them in bulk to save money, and keep a jar with your breakfast staples as a reminder to use them daily. Soak one to two tablespoons overnight in almond milk or yoghurt for an effortless morning gut-health routine.
Flaxseeds are also widely available, either whole or pre-ground. If buying whole, store them in the fridge and grind small batches as needed to preserve freshness. Ground flaxseeds can go rancid quickly, so buying whole and grinding at home is often the better choice. A tablespoon in your oatmeal or smoothie three to four times a week is all you need.
Basil seeds, or sabja seeds, may require a trip to a health food store or South Asian grocery, but they’re increasingly available online. Store them like chia seeds — in a cool, dry place in a sealed container. A small amount goes a long way, as they expand dramatically in liquid. Start with a teaspoon alongside your chia seeds and increase gradually.