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Plant Based Diet

All articles tagged with #plant based diet

Low-fiber diets may push gut microbes to eat mucus; indigestible plant proteins could steer healthier outputs
health-and-medicine13 days ago

Low-fiber diets may push gut microbes to eat mucus; indigestible plant proteins could steer healthier outputs

When dietary fiber runs low, gut microbes may degrade the gut’s mucus lining and produce harmful phenol metabolites; however, indigestible plant proteins (Prif) along with fiber shift microbial metabolism toward beneficial phenols, while host metabolism can also generate many indole and phenol metabolites, suggesting diet- and metabolism-based strategies to modulate gut biochemistry and health.

Plant-based diets rewire gut microbes to boost beneficial metabolites
gastrointestinal-health1 month ago

Plant-based diets rewire gut microbes to boost beneficial metabolites

Two studies show plant-based diets reshape the gut microbiome by using fiber and indigestible plant proteins (Prif) to tilt bacterial metabolism toward health-promoting phenols and away from harmful ones; another study finds many indole and phenol metabolites are produced by mammalian metabolism, not only microbes. Together, the work clarifies how diet shapes microbial outputs and could guide dietary and therapeutic strategies.

Two Simple Habits That Boost Gut Health and Could Guard Your Eyes
health1 month ago

Two Simple Habits That Boost Gut Health and Could Guard Your Eyes

NYU Langone retinal specialist Dr. Dimitra Skondra links gut health to age-related vision loss and notes that gut microbiome markers may predict macular degeneration severity. She prescribes two practical habits: eat a heart- and eye-friendly, diverse plant-based diet rich in fiber (aiming for about 30 different plant foods per week) while limiting ultraprocessed foods, and fit in daily “exercise snacks”—short resistance moves—to combat sedentary life and support gut health. This approach could potentially help slow vision decline as we age.

Plant-based swaps may leave some groups nutrient-deficient, Dutch study finds
diet-and-nutrition1 month ago

Plant-based swaps may leave some groups nutrient-deficient, Dutch study finds

A Dutch dietary modeling study shows that replacing animal-based foods with plant-based substitutes can lower total protein and essential nutrient intakes across age groups, with older adults and adolescents most at risk. The findings suggest careful planning, fortified foods, and age-tailored guidance are needed to maintain nutritional adequacy when shifting toward plant-based eating.

Attenborough at 100: A Plant-Based Path to Longevity
science3 months ago

Attenborough at 100: A Plant-Based Path to Longevity

Sir David Attenborough, who turned 100 in 2026, says his longevity comes in part from a mostly plant-based diet—having reduced red meat intake and occasionally eating cheese and fish—along with staying physically active and spending time in nature. The piece notes research linking lower red meat consumption to lower cancer risk and heart disease, and suggests plant-based protein sources like beans, lentils, tofu and mushrooms as healthy alternatives.

Fight Chronic Inflammation With a Plant-Powered Diet and Gut Health
health4 months ago

Fight Chronic Inflammation With a Plant-Powered Diet and Gut Health

A rheumatology expert explains that chronic inflammation underpins many Western diseases and that a healthy gut microbiome is key. To support it, eat a diverse, high-fiber plant-rich diet (aim for 30 different plant types weekly) since fiber feeds gut bacteria that produce anti-inflammatory compounds. Minimize ultra-processed foods, but don’t demonize occasional animal products; overall, plants are the main anti-inflammatory strategy for health and longevity.

Quality Plant-Based Eating Linked to Lower Dementia Risk, Study Finds
health4 months ago

Quality Plant-Based Eating Linked to Lower Dementia Risk, Study Finds

A 11-year study of 92,849 adults (avg age 59) shows dementia risk drops most with high-quality plant-based eating. The top overall plant-based pattern tied to a 12% lower dementia risk, the top healthful plant-based pattern a 7% lower risk, and the top unhealthful plant-based pattern a 6% higher risk. Those who shifted toward a healthier plant-based pattern over 10 years saw an 11% risk reduction, while moving toward an unhealthful pattern increased risk by 25%. Benefits persisted with midlife dietary changes; the study is observational and diverse in participants.

Plant-Forward Diet Linked to Slower Biological Aging
health4 months ago

Plant-Forward Diet Linked to Slower Biological Aging

A large U.S. study of roughly 5,000 people found that diets centered on plant-based foods (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, beans) and lower in animal products are linked to slower aging at the genetic level, as measured by the epigenetic clock. However, the benefit depends on diet quality—plant-based does not help if it’s high in refined grains, sugar, and ultra-processed foods. The anti-aging effect likely comes from more fiber and antioxidants and less inflammation, with implications that the pace of your biological clock can signal lifespan beyond your actual age.

Protein Frenzy Keeps Meat in the Spotlight Amid Health Warnings
health4 months ago

Protein Frenzy Keeps Meat in the Spotlight Amid Health Warnings

Most Americans view meat as part of a healthy diet and seek more meat due to a protein-led trend and new dietary guidelines; health experts warn that protein needs are individual and red meat carries risks like saturated fat, inflammation, and links to heart disease and some cancers, urging more plant-based or seafood protein while the meat industry defends its role and shoppers stay budget-conscious.

Americans largely unaware of processed meat's link to colon cancer, poll finds
health-and-medicine5 months ago

Americans largely unaware of processed meat's link to colon cancer, poll finds

Nearly half of Americans don’t know processed meat raises colorectal cancer risk; after learning, about two-thirds support warning labels. Awareness among healthcare providers is low. A plant-based, high-fiber diet and healthy habits lower risk, with each 10 grams of daily fiber linked to up to 10% risk reduction; programs like Food for Life help people adopt these changes.

Fuel Your Gut, Protect Your Heart: 3 Science-Backed Habits
health5 months ago

Fuel Your Gut, Protect Your Heart: 3 Science-Backed Habits

A Vanderbilt-led study linking gut bacteria–related metabolites to coronary heart disease identifies three practical habits to boost gut health and lower heart risk: eat mostly plant-based, high-fiber, minimally processed foods (prefer diverse fiber); cook from scratch to cut ultra-processed items; and exercise regularly, which supports a healthier gut microbiome and may reduce cardiovascular risk.

Plant-Based Protein Helps Women Manage Menopause Weight Gain
health5 months ago

Plant-Based Protein Helps Women Manage Menopause Weight Gain

During menopause, estrogen decline slows metabolism and can shift fat to the belly. Dietitians say a plant-based, protein‑rich approach—especially soy and other beans—can help curb weight gain and ease symptoms like bloating and hot flashes. Good options include soy products, beans, lentils, edamame, tempeh, and other plant proteins, while limiting processed foods and staying active.