Can Gut Health Support Heart Health? The Surprising Connection

February - Heart Health Month

While we often focus on cholesterol, exercise, and blood pressure, there’s another powerful player in heart health that’s getting overdue attention: your gut.

Your gut microbiome plays a vital role in inflammation, metabolism, and even how your body processes fats and sugars. When your gut is well balanced, it helps regulate these systems, supporting not just digestion, but long-term heart health and longevity too.

Fermented Foods

One of the simplest ways to nourish your gut is through fermented foods. Ingredients like miso, sauerkraut, kimchi, and tofu introduce beneficial bacteria that help strengthen the gut lining and reduce inflammation — a key factor in cardiovascular disease.

Fibre

Fibre is just as important. High-fibre foods feed your good gut bacteria, helping them produce short-chain fatty acids that are linked to lower cholesterol and improved heart markers. Think wholegrains, pulses, vegetables, nutritional yeast (nooch) and seeds — small daily additions can make a big difference.

Easy Swaps

Heart-healthy eating doesn’t have to mean compromise. Easy swaps can elevate flavour while supporting your gut: sprinkle our nutritional yeast “nooch” over meals instead of cheese, add our braised tofu to stir-fries or salads for plant protein, and use our delicious vegetable bouillon to boost savoury depth without excess salt or saturated fat. Try our Tofu Korma recipe here.

The Gut–Brain Microbiome

Finally, emerging research shows a strong link between the gut–brain microbiome, stress regulation, and heart health. A happy gut supports a calmer nervous system — and a calmer heart.

Looking after your gut may just be one of the most powerful (and delicious) ways to look after your heart 💛

Link to BHF to find out more https://www.bhf.org.uk/how-you-can-help/support-our-campaigns/heart-month

Discover more recipe inspirations here and make every meal deliciously vibrant, all year long.