Spicing Up Diet Improves Gut Health
Researchers from the National University of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon led an analysis investigating whether polyphenols present in common foods, herbs, and spices could positively affect gut health. They reviewed data from the International Cohort on Lifestyle Determinants of Health and found that increased polyphenol intake was associated with higher levels of beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus and reduced presence of harmful bacteria in the gut. The study focused on 96 healthy adults and identified certain herbs and spices, including black pepper, onion, garlic, cinnamon, ginger, and turmeric, as significant sources of polyphenols in their diets. Despite the consistent microbial diversity among participants, those with higher polyphenol intake showed a greater abundance of certain beneficial bacteria and lower levels of potentially harmful microbes. While more research is needed to fully understand the impact of polyphenols on gut health, these findings suggest that certain dietary spices and herbs could contribute to a healthier gut microbiome, potentially leading to overall improved health outcomes.
Source
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/16/6/773
To add more spice to your diet try this dish: Stir-Fried Eggplant With Honey, Turmeric & Soy
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