Study finds unexpected benefit to plant-based diet
Study finds unexpected benefit to plant-based diet
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Even temporary shift to more plant-based foods can help boost gut health. Swapping out meat and dairy can do more than just help animals and the planet, according to a new study that shows a vegan diet can transform your gut and metabolism. The research, published in Nature Microbiology, explored the gut microbiomes of vegans, vegetarians, and omnivores, and found that even small dietary changes – such as eating more fruits, vegetables and fiber – can result in meaningful health improvements.
The gut microbiome – a complex ecosystem of trillions of microorganisms – is critical for breaking down food, releasing nutrients, and regulating immune responses. But, according to the study, what we eat greatly influences which microbes thrive. Out of the three groups of people studied, vegans, the study found, had the highest levels of bacteria linked to fiber digestion such as Roseburia hominis and Lachnospiraceae species.
These microbes produce short-chain fatty acids, which play a key role in reducing inflammation, strengthening gut barriers and supporting metabolic health. Omnivores, on the other hand, harboured bacteria associated with digesting meat such as Ruminococcus torques and Bilophila wadsworthia. These microbes have been linked to higher inflammation and poorer cardiometabolic health outcomes, the study noted.
Vegetarians had microbiomes that fell between these two extremes, the research found, benefiting from their partial intake of plant-based foods. Diet diversity matters more than we think it does and even a temporary shift can help boost gut health, the researchers said. Omnivores who increased their intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains showed significant improvements in gut health, showing that even modest dietary changes could yield benefits.
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