Researchers reconsidered their approach to diet composition
University of Minnesota: foods with similar composition affect the microbiome differently — the standard division into «vegetables», «fruits» and «meat» is outdated.
University of Minnesota: foods with similar composition affect the microbiome differently — the standard division into «vegetables», «fruits» and «meat» is outdated.
Spinach and carrots are rich in vitamin A, fiber and potassium. However, they affect the gut microbiome differently. That is why specialists at the University of Minnesota urge against grouping them in the same food category. Experts state: people usually analyze the benefits and effects of foods by splitting them into large groups such as «meat», «vegetables», «fruits», «dairy». But this is incorrect. The main indicator is the effect on the microbiome.
The researchers invited 34 volunteers, whose diet was recorded and gut microbiome analyzed over 17 days. Foods that produced a similar effect on the microbiome were assigned to the same category. For example, kale and spinach fell into one group. Meanwhile tomatoes and carrots, despite their similar composition, were assigned to different groups.
It was also established that the microbiome was highly individual — consumption of the same foods did not result in complete microbiome stabilization across all volunteers; differences remained. Scientists remind: the microbiome is linked to a wide range of bodily functions and disorders, including metabolic disorders, autoimmune diseases and infections.
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