Plant-Rich Diets Best for Microbiome Health, Shows Study by UK Gut Guru

A study conducted by health app Zoe, led by Tim Spector, analyzed stool samples from over 21,000 people to determine the best diet for gut microbiome health. The research found that plant-based diets, particularly those high in fruits and vegetables, led to healthier microbiome compositions, reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Vegans were found to have the healthiest diets on average, followed by vegetarians, while omnivores had a higher level of harmful bacteria linked to various health issues.

The study also highlighted the importance of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in gut health. Vegans were found to have higher levels of bacteria that produce butyrate, an important SCFA that helps protect against inflammation and cancer. While the results favored plant-based diets, the study noted that omnivores consuming a high amount of healthy plant-based foods shared similarities with those following vegan diets, suggesting a potential flexitarian approach for better gut health.