Plant-Based Foods Improve Gut Microbiota Linked to Lower Disease Risk

A diet rich in plant-based foods improves gut microbiota associated with lower risk for heart disease and other chronic conditions, according to a study published in Nature Medicine. Researchers analyzed the microbiomes, diet records, and cardiometabolic biomarker data from 1,098 participants from the Personalised Responses to Dietary Composition Trial (PREDICT 1) study. Results showed favorable links between consumption of healthy plant-based foods with “good” microbes associated with lower risk for heart disease, diabetes, and obesity and improved metabolism, glucose tolerance, and microbiome diversity. The authors recommend clinicians assess the gut microbiome as a biomarker for disease risk and personalize dietary interventions to improve overall health.