CINCINNATI (WKRC) – A recent study found that plant-based diets, like those of vegans and vegetarians, could significantly improve gut health, among other benefits.
A new study published in Natural microbiology found that among more than 21,000 participants, those who followed a vegan or vegetarian diet rather than an omnivorous diet had healthier guts, reduced inflammation and improved metabolism.
According to the researchers, some of the microbes used to digest meat were linked to inflammatory diseases (particularly in the intestine) and certain types of cancer. On the other hand, microbes found in the intestines of those who followed a vegan diet were effective at digesting fiber and forming butyrate, which decreases inflammation and improves metabolism, according to ScienceDirect.com.
However, research has not suggested that cutting out meat will suddenly solve all gut problems and that those following a vegetarian or vegan diet need a wide diversity of foods and nutrients to reap the benefits of their diet.
According to the American Medical Association, improved gut health leads to a higher metabolism and a stronger immune system, while poor gut health has been linked to inflammatory diseases, irritable bowel syndrome, and even some mental health disorders.