We've long been told consuming enough fruit and veg is vital for a balanced diet, but our health relies on more than just an apple a day. Research from the University of California San Diego Medical School has found that expanding the number and type of plants we consume gives us a more varied selection of gut bacteria, which should help ward off tummy bugs and improve our immune systems. The researchers found that by dramatically increasing volunteers' plant intake, gut health thrived.
'The study found that volunteers who consumed more than 30 types of plants per week were more likely to have a healthier gut microbiome, as compared with those consuming less than 10,' explains registered associate nutritionist Dr Hazel Wallace, Founder of The Food Medic.
BE BIOME AWARE
We've heard the term 'biome', but what does it mean? 'Your gut biome is the trillions of microbes, mainly bacteria, found in your intestines that function as an organ and significantly impact health,' says Dr Wallace. 'Having a healthy, diverse gut microbiome has been seen to impact immunity and body size, as well as reducing a number of medical issues including food allergies, gut and metabolic diseases.' We can't see it, or even feel it, but our gut biomes are vital to our overall health and no one biome is like another.
This story is from the December 2022 edition of Woman & Home Feel Good You.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 2022 edition of Woman & Home Feel Good You.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Time to try TAI CHI
From improving your balance to boosting your immunity, low-impact exercise has lots of unexpected benefits
Animals are our EXERCISE
Meet the women whose beloved pets help them stay healthy and happy
Shiny, happy HAIR
Rhiannon Derbyshire reveals her fail-safe saviours to revive lacklustre locks
EAT TO BEAT JOINT PAIN
Battle body aches with healthy, inflammation-busting meals
Your speedy HOLIDAY SHAPE-UP
Our healthy summer weight-loss plan is packed with flavour and will help you to feel amazing - fast
'SUNSHINE can make me REALLY ILL'
Practising self-care has helped Ginny Roberts, 52, to live confidently with lupus
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN You take medication for depression
From side effects to feeling the benefits, here's what to expect
You can FACE your FEARS
We're told to feel the fear and do it anyway, but that's easier said than done. Rather than dreading it, Debra Waters decided to find ways to embrace it
Lighten THE LOAD
From people-pleasing to decision fatigue, free yourself and make this your happiest holiday season ever
DREAM and it will COME!
The power to change things could be simpler than you think