A new scientific study published in Nature Microbiology sheds light on the connection between diet and gut health and, ultimately, overall well-being. Using a sample of over 21,000 people, researchers investigated the differences between omnivorous, vegetarian and vegan diets, revealing crucial information about the impact of diet on microbial balance.
What does the research reveal?
Diet shapes the microbiome: Researchers have observed that the microbiome – the "community" of microbes that live in our gut – changes depending on diet.
Vegans stood out, as they had higher levels of microbes that help break down plant fiber and produce beneficial fatty acids , such as Lachnospiraceae and Roseburia hominis. These microbes are associated with better cardiometabolic health.
The consequences of consuming animal foods: In contrast, omnivores were found to have microbes associated with red meat digestion, such as Bilophila wadsworthia , which have been linked to inflammatory diseases and an increased risk of heart disease. Interestingly, vegetarians had more microbes associated with dairy consumption, such as Streptococcus thermophilus .
Plant-based means variety: The research highlighted the importance of variety in plant-based foods. Fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds promote a more balanced microbiome. In fact, even omnivores who ate more plant-based foods had microbial profiles closer to those of vegans.
Food-borne microbes: The absence of dairy and meat in a vegan diet reduces food-borne microbes, which researchers attribute to the different composition of these products. However, vegans had more microbes associated with plant sources and soil, highlighting the connection between agriculture and gut health.
What does this mean in practice?
The study results confirm that a plant-based diet is a powerful tool for promoting health. Every meal that includes more plant-based foods and less animal-based foods is a step towards a healthier and fairer world for everyone – humans, non-human animals and the planet.
Switching to a plant-based diet can bring changes to every aspect of our lives. And scientific research confirms that plant-based choices don't just change our microbiome – they also change the world around us.
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