by Consuming fruits and vegetables has long been associated with better health, and a recent study now confirms that it contributes positively to the bacterial diversity of the gut microbiome. Researchers from Graz University of Technology in Austria compared the bacteria found in fruits and vegetables to those found in the human gut and found that microorganisms from fruits and vegetables can colonize the human gut.
The human gut microbiome, which refers to the totality of microorganisms in our bodies, has been the subject of extensive research. It has been linked to various aspects of health, including cancer, personality traits, memory, and diseases like diabetes and multiple sclerosis. While it is known that a mother’s microbiome is transferred to her baby at birth and enhanced through breastfeeding, there has been little understanding of other sources of gut bacteria.
To address this gap in knowledge, the researchers at Graz University of Technology created a catalog of microbiome data from 156 fruits and vegetables. They then compared this data to existing studies on human intestinal flora, including one on babies and one on adults. Both studies collected information on participants’ food intake and provided metagenome data from thousands of stool samples.
From the extensive dataset, the researchers were able to demonstrate the presence of fruit- and vegetable-associated bacteria in the human gut. On average, these bacteria contributed to 2.2% of overall bacterial diversity. This finding highlights the importance of fruits and vegetables as a natural source of microbiota and emphasizes the need for good agricultural practices.
The researchers also point out that factors such as farming practices, breeding, and post-harvest treatments can influence the indigenous fruit and vegetable microbiota, which, in turn, may affect the composition of the gut microbiota. Therefore, employing good agricultural practices becomes crucial in maintaining a healthy gut microbiome.
In addition to confirming the link between fruits, vegetables, and the gut microbiome, the researchers are also embarking on an international study. In this study, participants will consume the same diet for a period, after which their stool will be analyzed. The findings of this study could potentially lead to individualized diets tailored to specific needs.
The study’s corresponding authors, Wisnu Adi Wicaksono and Gabriele Berg, highlight that every fruit and vegetable has a unique microbiome. The possibility of developing personalized diets based on this understanding is an exciting prospect for the future.
This study provides further evidence of the importance of a diverse and balanced diet, which includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, in maintaining gut health. By consuming a variety of plant-based foods, individuals can support the diversity of their gut microbiome and promote overall well-being.
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- Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
- We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemical and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc.
