Scientific research consistently favors plant-based and Mediterranean diets over Western diets for promoting gut health and preventing non-communicable diseases. A study published in Nutrients explores how different dietary components impact the gut microbiome and the development of NCDs. The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in human health by helping to absorb nutrients, regulating appetite, and maintaining homeostasis. Fiber fermentation by gut microorganisms produces beneficial metabolites that support longevity. Plant-based and Mediterranean diets, rich in fiber and SCFAs, are associated with reduced risk of cancer, diabetes, and metabolic disorders compared to the Western diet, which can lead to dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and systemic inflammation. Further research is needed to personalize dietary recommendations for optimal health outcomes.
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How plant-based, Mediterranean, and Western diets affect gut microbiota and disease
