Emerging science and research suggests that anyone considering pregnancy, who is pregnant or who is a small person should focus on taking care of their all important gut health. We know it matters for things like hormonal balance and even development of brain and immune health. Prebiotic and probiotic foods are two ways to do this. Click to read much more on this from neurologist and gut-brain specialist Dr Natasha Campbell McBride.

We also have the down and dirty (nerd out) as to why a healthy gut matters for you (click here) and for a growing person (click here).

But how do you do it? Especially in a way that a fussy small palette will appreciation? Here’s one way:

Prebiotic Banana bread – a crowd pleaser!

This is not only super easy to make (our main criteria!) but is also appreciated by the fussiest of eaters. It is refined sugar free (we use maple syrup to sweeten) and gluten free (we use ground almonds and flaxseed). It is also packed full of prebiotic fibre. What we want!

What is a prebiotic and why should I care? 

Assuming you’re on board with the need to take care of the all important gut microbes (click here for much more). Then the prebiotic is something you need to know. Unlike probiotics (better known) who add bacteria, prebiotics feed the existing ones we have. Good for maintaining the good guys who police the all important balance that we need. Click here for more on the difference between prebiotic and probiotic foods. 

What prebiotic ingredients will I be using? 

We use gluten free organic oats in this recipe. We also use ground flaxseed and bananas. You can of course experiment with ingredients to suit your taste. For more prebiotic options click here. 

What ingredients do I need? (we use organic) 

3x ripe bananas

2x tablespoons of maple syrup

220g ground almonds

30g ground flaxseed

40g gluten free oats

30g of organic butter (unsalted)

30g of organic dark chocolate 85%

1x teaspoon of ground cinnamon

‘1x teaspoon bicarbonate of soda

3x large organic free range eggs

1x teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract

1x tablespoon lemon juice

The all important: ‘how to’ prebiotic banana bread: 

One: 

Preheat the oven to 170 degrees C/Gas mark 5 or 338 Fahrenheit. Line a loaf tin with baking parchment.

Two: 

Get mashing your bananas in a large mixing bowl (you’ll be adding all the ingredients to this bowl so make it large!). Start heating the butter gently. You want it soft enough to mash into your bananas but not totally melted.

Three: 

Mash your banana and butter together. Next wisk up your eggs and add alongside the cinnamon, maple syrup, vanilla, lemon juice and bicarbonate of soda.

Four: 

Break up the dark chocolate into small pieces and add alongside the ground almonds and flaxseed to the big mix. Give it a big whisk making sure it is all thoroughly mixed together.

Five

Pour the mixture into the tin and sprinkle the oats over the top. Bake for around 45 mins. We would check on it after 30 minutes however. If the top is burning cover with more banking parchment and continue to bake. Check after an hour to see if a knife inserted into the middle comes out clean. If not – bake a little longer.

Six 

Cool and serve! If you want to super charge the gut boosting nature of this we like to serve with a little bit of kefir. Added probiotics! If there is any left (!) store in the fridge. Enjoy!

For much more on why gut health matters for you (if you’re pregnant or thinking of conception) click here. Plus here for why it matters for a small and developing person. Finally if you want to learn more from the pioneer on gut-brain and physiology connection Dr Natasha Campbell McBride click here. 

————————————————————————————————————————————————————

This article is for informational purposes only. This article is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice. The information on this website has been developed following years of personal research and from referenced and sourced medical research. Before making any changes we strongly recommend you consult a healthcare professional before you begin.

Copyright © 2023