A study from the University of British Columbia suggests that traditional Indian diets are beneficial for gut health compared to Westernized foods. The research compared dietary data and stool samples from over 170 participants in India and Canada. People in India, who follow high-fiber, plant-based diets, were found to have healthier gut microbiomes, while Indo-Canadians showed fewer beneficial strains of bacteria likely due to a more Westernized diet. This dietary shift may help explain higher rates of inflammatory bowel disease among Indian immigrants in Canada.

Traditional Indian diets, rich in plant-based foods such as vegetables, legumes, and fruits, are contrasted with the Western diet, which includes high levels of ultra-processed foods and red meat. While India is starting to shift towards more processed foods, recent tax cuts on healthier food options may help promote the consumption of whole, nutrient-dense foods. Researchers recommend that people in India maintain their traditional, plant-led diets to reduce the risk of diseases associated with Westernized diets like inflammatory bowel disease.