Atlas

Food Handbook

An atlas of microbiota-friendly foods — compounds, effects, evidence level

A searchable collection of 200+ foods: beneficial compounds, microbiota effects and evidence level.

23
topics
252
chapters
252 chapters · 23 parts

I. Vegetables and root vegetables

26
01

Artichoke

The Mediterranean "dual matrix" – inulin fiber and polyphenols together in one edible flower.

02

Avocado

The buttery Mexican fruit – fiber, MUFA, and carotenoid carrier in one edible fat bomb.

03

Asparagus

Queen of spring – inulin-type fructan and polyphenol, in spear and root alike.

04

Chicory

Starting point of prebiotic research – the most inulin-rich root, with EFSA-approved defecation effect.

05

Onion

The millennia-old cornerstone – fructan + quercetin dual matrix in every kitchen.

06

Garlic

From antiquity to cardiology – fructan prebiotic and sulfur-compound allicin in a single clove.

07

Leek

The Welsh national vegetable – milder onion aroma, same fructan + quercetin foundation.

08

Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, kale)

The sulforaphane school – glucosinolate, myrosinase, and the mustard-seed trick for cooked broccoli.

09

Cauliflower

The white 'college-educated cabbage' – indole glucosinolates and vitamin C in a low-FODMAP package.

10

Tomato

The Neapolitan fruit – lycopene + oil + heat synergy for 3-4× bioavailability.

11

Beetroot

The nitrate king – blood pressure reduction via oral flora, with betalain on the kidney-stone gray zone.

12

Carrot

The orange foundation side – RG-I pectin + β-carotene + falcarinol, low-FODMAP IBS-friendly.

13

Radish

The pungent root – glucoraphenin → sulforaphene, and the daikon trick for cooked broccoli.

14

Jerusalem artichoke

The "Jerusalem artichoke" – natural inulin wonder at 17% concentration, with flatulence as the price.

15

Potato

The cook-cool-eat rule – RS3 resistant starch, low glycemic, butyrate-positive.

16

Sweet potato

The tropical orange wonder – β-carotene public-health superfood, anthocyanin bomb in the purple variety.

17

Cabbage

Vegetable of the ancient sages – sinigrin + glucobrassicin, and Captain Cook's scurvy-defeating sauerkraut.

18

Spinach

The "Popeye paradox" – high iron with oxalate escort, lutein-zeaxanthin for the eyes, and a nitrate gateway to endothelial function.

19

Black Garlic

The aged variant of fresh garlic – low FODMAP, high polyphenol, elevated S-allyl-cysteine: a controlled metabolic-support food.

20

Arugula

The Mediterranean leafy green – a high nitrate-NO axis and a Brassica-glucosinolate matrix in a single leaf.

21

Red Onion

The quercetin-concentrate onion variant – anthocyanin bonus + powerful cardiovascular polyphenol matrix.

22

Swiss Chard

The nitrate-betalain-magnesium triad – a colorful leafy green that brings the NO axis and antioxidant matrix together.

23

Kale

Queen of the brassicas – a sulforaphane precursor, lutein, and vitamin K1 packed into one dense leaf.

24

Celery

A quiet ally of blood pressure – apigenin flavonoid, phthalide compounds, and moderate nitrate in one crunchy stalk.

25

Sorrel

The malic-citric tang of green leaves – high vitamin C and quercetin, but caution due to oxalate.

26

Dandelion

The "roadside weed" that is actually an inulin prebiotic, liver tonic, and vitamin-K bomb all at once.

III. Nuts and seeds

15
34

Walnut

The Silk Road's "royal acorn" – plant omega-3, ellagitannins, and microbiome-mediated urolithins.

35

Almond

Millennia-old seed of the Levant – polyphenol in the skin, LDL reduction in the plasma, butyrate in the colon.

36

Pistachio

The "green gold" – uniquely lutein-rich nut with a polyphenol matrix that drives a strong butyrate response.

37

Hazelnut

The Mesolithic nut – Stone Age favorite, foundation of Piedmontese confectionery, and a restrained but real SCFA booster.

38

Peanut

Not a nut, but a legume – native seed of the Gran Chaco, with butyrate-boosting RCT and the paradoxical allergy message of the LEAP lesson.

39

Chia Seed

Soldier food of Aztec warriors – gel-forming mucilage fiber and one of the plant kingdom's highest ALA contents in a tiny seed.

40

Flaxseed

The cloth of Egyptian mummies – mucilage fiber, lignans (SDG → enterolignans), and plant ω-3 in a single seed; six times stronger when ground.

41

Sesame Seed

Drink of Assyrian gods – sesamin lignans, high calcium, and the unmatched bioavailability of tahini (ground paste).

42

Tigernut

The bowl of early humans – staple diet of Paranthropus boisei and the tuber behind Valencian horchata; gluten-free, RS-rich, FODMAP-green.

43

Psyllium Seed

The whole seed – not just the purified husk: viscous fiber, weak fermentation, and HMPC-approved bowel support in a "flea-shaped" seed.

44

Brazil Nut

The selenium bomb – 1–2 nuts cover the entire daily requirement; the superstar of the thyroid and the antioxidant system.

45

Pumpkin Seed

The magnesium-zinc combo – phytosterols for the prostate and the cucurbitin-based antiparasitic tradition.

46

Cashew

The Amazon's magical "apple" – high magnesium, MUFA-dominant fat profile, and creamy texture for plant pastes.

47

Sunflower Seed

The tiny treasure of the sun-tracker – alpha-tocopherol bomb, selenium source, and an affordable Mediterranean-style oilseed.

48

Poppy Seed

The ancient oilseed of Hungarian cuisine – high calcium bioavailability, mild fat profile, and tiny opiate-alkaloid traces.

IV. Fruits (fresh)

31
49

Apple

Under the "an apple a day" myth lies a true microbiome substrate: pectin and (poly)phenols together.

50

Pear

The Renaissance Versailles favorite – pectin-dominant juicy fiber with polyphenols in the skin.

51

Kiwifruit

Chinese gooseberry with a New Zealand rebrand – pectin, polyphenols, and a special protease, actinidin.

52

Pomegranate

Behind the Persephone-like seeds lies a microbiome trick: ellagitannins → urolithin-A, if your bacteria are right.

53

Grape

The polyphenol bomb of the Mediterranean paradox – a dialogue between skin, seed, and gut flora, even without alcohol.

54

Citrus (orange, blood orange)

Treasures of the Renaissance orangerie – hesperidin, naringin, and a CYP3A4 trap worth knowing.

55

Green Banana

Unripe banana is not a defect – the classic colonic substrate of resistant starch (RS2).

56

Mango

Fruit of the Hindu "wish-fulfilling tree" – gallotannins, fiber, and human evidence for gut inflammation reduction.

57

Strawberry

18th-century botanical serendipity – pelargonidin anthocyanin and ellagitannins in a single summer berry.

58

Raspberry

The sacred fruit of Mount Ida – ellagic acid, seed fiber, and gut flora improvement documented in prediabetes.

59

Blackcurrant

The British "Ribena generation" vitamin C supplement – delphinidin anthocyanin and cognitive RCT evidence.

60

Cranberry

PAC-A2 proanthocyanidin – urinary tract infection prevention with evidence, NOT a diabetes cure-all.

61

Black chokeberry (aronia)

The "polyphenol peak depth" – among berries, aronia delivers the highest anthocyanin and PAC levels.

62

Blueberry

The anthocyanin gold standard – pterostilbene, blood-brain-barrier-friendly flavonoids, and Mayo-Clinic-grade cognitive evidence.

63

Cherry / sour cherry

The "tart cherry effect" – anthocyanin, natural melatonin for sleep, and proven urate-lowering in gout.

64

Fresh plum

The gentle prebiotic – neochlorogenic acid, polyphenol substrate for butyrate producers, and a mild gut transit regulator.

65

Fresh apricot

The Silk Road's golden apple – β-carotene, vitamin A precursor, and the kernel's amygdalin warning.

66

Peach

Persian origin – low glycemic index, polyphenol matrix, and the context of the Chinese symbol of immortality.

67

Fresh fig

The "Mediterranean stone-fruit" – calcium bomb, ficin protease, and the evolutionarily unique pollinator-wasp symbiosis.

68

Pineapple

The bromelain workshop – digestion-aiding protease, anti-inflammatory evidence, and the Hawaiian renaissance.

69

Persimmon (kaki)

The tannin paradox – dramatic difference between ripe and unripe, high β-cryptoxanthin, and the Japanese "kaki" tradition.

70

Papaya

The tropical papain workshop – proteolytic enzyme, lycopene, and postprandial glucose regulation.

71

Watermelon

Citrulline for NO synthesis – a blood-pressure-lowering amino acid and the fruit with the highest lycopene content.

72

Melon / cantaloupe

The summer β-carotene bath – potassium-rich electrolyte refill and water-balance support.

73

Passion fruit

The piceatannol secret – high insoluble fiber, GABA-sensitivity-enhancing apigenin, and the fruit cousin of resveratrol.

74

Elderberry

Europe's anthocyanin champion – upper respiratory immunomodulation, Akkermansia support, but the raw berry contains a cyanogenic glycoside.

75

Sea Buckthorn

The Himalayan polyphenol champion – rare omega-7, record vitamin C, clinically documented mucosal support.

76

Plantain (cooking banana)

The big sibling of the green banana – RS2-starch concentrate, butyrate substrate, ancient tropical staple.

77

Quince

Astringent raw, golden when cooked – a pectin bomb and the Mediterranean kitchen's tidy microbiome trick.

78

Mulberry

Berry of the Silk Road – white mulberry's 1-DNJ is a glucosidase blocker, black mulberry's anthocyanins feed the colon.

79

Gooseberry

The garden gooseberry – a tart vitamin-C bomb, low FODMAP, with a colorful anthocyanin spectrum.

VII. Grains / Pseudocereals

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93

Oats

The science of Scottish porridge – β-glucan, FDA claim, and colonic fermentation.

94

Barley

Humanity's oldest brewing grain – β-glucan, the Ninkasi hymn, and the high MW fraction.

95

Whole-Grain Rye

The science of Scandinavian pumpernickel – arabinoxylan, alkylresorcinols, and the Lindeberg RCT.

96

Whole-Grain Wheat and Wheat Bran

The world's staple grain – bran arabinoxylan, AXOS prebiotic, and the gluten-NCGS myth.

97

Rice / Brown Rice

Half of Earth lives on it – γ-oryzanol, phytate balance, and arsenic caution.

98

Sorghum

Africa's drought-tolerant grain – gluten-free, high iron, 3-deoxyanthocyanidins.

99

Corn

The Mesoamerican invention – nixtamalization, niacin release, and the conquest of pellagra.

100

Quinoa

The Inca "mother of grains" – pseudocereal, complete protein, and the saponin coat.

101

Buckwheat

The Tatar pseudocereal – rutin polyphenol, the Polygonaceae family, and gluten-free kasha.

102

Millet

The porridge grain of the early Magyars – Setaria italica, high iron, gluten-free alternative.

103

Amaranth

The Aztecs' "devil's grain" – squalene, high lysine, gluten-free pseudocereal.

104

Ancient Wheat / Khorasan Pasta

The Tutankhamun myth and KAMUT – lower gliadin, SCFA advantage, and the NCGS debate.

105

Resistant Starch RS2

Hi-Maize and green banana starch – granular crystallinity, Ruminococcus bromii, and butyrate.

106

Resistant Starch RS3

The "cook-and-chill" magic – retrogradation, butyrate boost, and the millennial intuition of sushi rice.

107

Sourdough Whole-Grain Bread

The science of San Francisco lactobacillus – phytate degradation, AXOS in situ, and the Pomp 2020 NCGS RCT.

108

VII.17 Black Rice

The "forbidden rice" anthocyanin powerhouse – high cyanidin-3-glucoside, pigment selection, and the Chinese imperial tradition.

109

Teff

The Ethiopian ancient miniature grain – gluten-free, iron concentrate, low glycemic index.

110

Fonio

The West African ancient miniature grain – gluten-free, low glycemic index, climate-resilient, quick to cook.

111

Spelt

The ancient grain of Benedictine monasteries – arabinoxylan-rich, moderate β-glucan, but gluten-containing: not a celiac solution.

112

Emmer

The bread grain of the Egyptian pyramids – tetraploid ancient wheat, high in lutein, with a yellowish bran-rich endosperm.

113

Red rice

From Bhutan to Camargue – anthocyanin-pigmented bran rice with procyanidins and γ-oryzanol: the polyphenol-rich alternative to white rice.

114

Wild rice

The lakeshore harvest of the North American Anishinaabe – botanically not rice but Zizania grass: a fiber-, phenolic-acid-, and manganese-rich pseudo-grain.

VIII. Fermented foods (plant)

16
115

Sauerkraut

The winter vitamin C bank and live LAB matrix – an ancient preservation technique that saved lives at sea.

116

Brined / lacto-fermented cucumber

Natural lactic acid bacteria in a sun-ripened summer matrix – NOT the same as vinegar pickles.

117

Kimchi

The Korean fermented vegetable matrix – UNESCO heritage, gochugaru pepper, and phytochemicals, with modern RCT evidence.

118

Miso

Fermented soybean paste with koji mold – isoflavone aglycone matrix, sodium question, and a barley/gluten warning.

119

Natto

The world's most concentrated MK-7 (vitamin K₂) source – Bacillus-fermented soy with nattokinase. STRICTLY forbidden with warfarin.

120

Tempeh

From under the banana leaves of Java to the vegan protein world market – a dense, sliceable soy cake with Rhizopus oligosporus.

121

Brined cucumber

The classic of Hungarian summer – sun-ripened in salty brine, started with a slice of sourdough. NOT a vinegar pickle.

122

Fermented mixed vegetables

An ancient winter technology – carrot, pepper, cauliflower, green bean lactic-acid fermented. NOT a vinegar pickle.

123

Table olives

An ancient Mediterranean fermentum – Greek-style and Spanish-style, with the oleuropein → hydroxytyrosol transformation.

124

Apple cider vinegar

The "mother" culture – acetate-driven glycemic control, postprandial glucose reduction, and the Mother of Vinegar microbiome.

125

Wine vinegar

A polyphenol-rich vinegar – anthocyanin, resveratrol and gallate matrix from grape skin, the scientific backbone of the classic Mediterranean salad dressing.

126

Rice vinegar

A milder, less acidic Japanese vinegar – gentle acetate-SCFA with gluconic acid and amino-acid matrix, the foundation of sushi.

127

Tamari / shoyu

Japanese soy sauce – a kōji + Lactobacillus + yeast triple ferment, glutamate-dominant umami bomb with an isoflavone matrix.

128

Idli / dosa

South Indian rice-lentil fermentation – lactic Leuconostoc + Saccharomyces + spontaneous B12 synthesis, easy digestibility and reduced phytate.

129

Injera

Ethiopia's spongy bread – teff fermentation with live lactic acid bacteria, high iron content and reduced phytate, the ancient foundation of Ethiopian cuisine.

130

Doenjang / gochujang

Korean fermented soybean pastes – Bacillus-dominant ancient soy ferment (doenjang) + capsaicin ferment (gochujang), isoflavone + capsaicin synergy.

IX. Fermented dairy

10

X. Beverages (polyphenol / live cultures)

15
141

Green tea / Matcha

EGCG catechins and L-theanine in a concentrated polyphenol matrix – matcha as the 21st-century microbiota beverage.

142

Black tea

Oxidation transforms the catechins – theaflavin and thearubigin polyphenol consortium, with a modern Prevotella-raising RCT.

143

Coffee

Chlorogenic acid + melanoidin = a polyphenol + fiber-like matrix. Caffeine sensitivity depends on CYP1A2 polymorphism.

144

Chicory coffee

A caffeine-free coffee substitute – roasted chicory root with melanoidins, NOT a significant inulin source (only native root is).

145

Pu-erh tea (fermented)

The fermented tea diamond – lovastatin-like monacolins, Aspergillus-ripened microbiome, and Yunnan tradition.

146

White tea

The least processed Camellia – high EGCG, phytoflavin finesse, and antioxidant concentrate.

147

Hibiscus tea (roselle)

The African blood-pressure capsule – anthocyanin alliance, RCT-grade BP reduction, and the karkadeh tradition.

148

Rooibos

The African red bush – aspalathin, a unique flavonoid, in a caffeine- and tannin-free hydration drink.

149

Yerba mate

The South American "green coffee" – mate polyphenols, natural caffeine, and the gaucho energy tradition.

150

Chicory root tea

The inulin-bomb drink – a roasted-fructan-high, caffeine-free, bifidogenic coffee alternative.

151

Rosehip tea

The vitamin C gold standard – flavonoid + L-ascorbic acid, galactolipid, and joint RCTs.

152

Golden milk

The Ayurvedic renewal of "turmeric latte" – curcumin + piperine + fat for bioavailability boost.

153

Nettle tea

"Wild phytotherapy" – high iron, chlorophyll-rich, prostate RCTs, and a spring cleansing tradition.

154

Kvass

The Eastern European ancient rye ferment – low-alcohol live LAB drink, postbiotic + B-vitamin matrix.

155

Kombucha

The "Manchurian tea mushroom" – Camellia sinensis fermented with a SCOBY, a tart fruity probiotic drink.

XV. Spices

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196

Turmeric

The bitter yellow root – curcuminoids, microbiome, and clinical reality.

197

Ginger

The "sister rhizome" – gingerol, shogaol, and the best-documented antiemetic spice.

198

Cinnamon

Cassia or Ceylon? – coumarin, glycemia, and the dramatic difference between the two cinnamons.

199

Black pepper

The king of spices – piperine, CYP3A4 inhibition, and 20× curcumin bioavailability.

200

Horseradish

The Central European piquant root – sinigrin, allyl isothiocyanate, and the science behind the Easter tradition.

201

Chili pepper / capsaicin

TRPV1, GLP-1, and the capsaicin paradox – why hot spice may be protective.

202

Clove

The "fragrant rivet" – eugenol, antimicrobial power, and the science of the toothache tradition.

203

Cardamom

The queen of spices – 1,8-cineole, metabolic syndrome, and the Daneshi-Maskooni RCTs.

204

Coriander (cilantro)

The "soapy taste" gene – linalool, OR6A2, and the dual coriander world.

205

Cumin

The "cumin" – cuminaldehyde, foundation of Indian curry, and the secret of gluten-free baked goods.

206

Black cumin (Nigella sativa)

Nigella sativa – thymoquinone, "for everything except death," and the reality of meta-analyses.

207

Fennel

The "little-bloat doctor" – anethole, phytoestrogenic character, and the science of infant gas relief.

208

Anise

The classic digestion aid – anethole, ouzo-pastis tradition, and the EMA pediatric monograph.

209

Star anise

The Tamiflu reserve – shikimic acid, Illicium verum vs. toxic relatives, and the aroma of Chinese cuisine.

210

Fenugreek

The breast-milk spice – diosgenin, sapogenin, and the modern era of Trigonella RCTs.

211

Mustard seed

The "pungent seed" – myrosinase, AITC, and the secret of broccoli-sulforaphane synergy.

212

Oregano

The pizza spice – carvacrol, antimicrobial power, and the real limits of "oregano oil".

213

Thyme

The respiratory herb – thymol, EMA-approved cough syrup, and the Bronchipret evidence.

214

Rosemary

The herb of memory – carnosic acid, cognitive effects, and Ophelia's rosemary.

215

Sage

Salvia salvat – thujone, cognitive effects, and the Mediterranean herb to avoid in pregnancy.

216

Marjoram

Aphrodite's herb – sabinene hydrate, Central European stuffed cabbage, and the Mediterranean "sweet oregano".

217

Basil

Pesto, eugenol-linalool, and holy basil – two plants, two clinical worlds.

218

Savory

Bohnenkraut – carvacrol, Central European bean tradition, and "savory with beans".

219

Mint

IBS support – menthol, peppermint oil capsule RCTs, and Cochrane-level evidence.

220

Lavender

Silexan – linalool, anxiety-reducing RCTs, and the spice face of the Provence perfume.

221

Nutmeg

The blood-soaked golden spice of the Banda Islands – aromatic in fine cooking, toxic at high doses.

222

Parsley

The apigenin-champion green herb – record vitamin K, nitrate-NO matrix, classic "petite garniture".

223

Saffron

The "red gold" – crocin, safranal, and RCT-level evidence in depression and PMS.

224

Other classic spices (sumac, bay leaf, dill, tarragon)

Four classic spices in a brief catalog – Middle Eastern sumac, Mediterranean bay leaf, Hungarian dill, French tarragon.

225

Vanilla

The real bean versus synthetic vanillin – phenol-aromatic polyphenols, anxiolytic aroma, and a microbiome-modulating matrix.

226

Bay Leaf

Mediterranean classic essential-oil matrix – eucalyptol, linalool, and in vitro insulin-like activity, with limited human RCT evidence.

227

Paprika (Hungarian Spice)

A Hungarian gastronomy icon – capsanthin, capsorubin, and a carotenoid matrix from sweet to mildly hot rose paprika.

228

Asafoetida (Hing)

The Indian-Iranian Ferula resin – a FODMAP-friendly onion-garlic substitute in IBS, with a ferulic-acid matrix and gut-modulating potential.

No results.