Science
Squire1039
•
7mo ago
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100%
Urban Diets Lead to Decline in Gut Bacteria That Digest Plants
https://arstechnica.com/science/2024/03/human-gut-bacteria-that-can-digest-plant-matter-probably-came-from-cows/This article discusses a new study on the link between gut bacteria and diet, particularly the ability to digest cellulose, a major component of plants.
Key Points:
- Humans have gut bacteria that can break down cellulose, but the amount varies depending on diet.
- Rural populations and hunter-gatherers have more of these bacteria compared to urban dwellers.
- The decline is likely due to modern, processed diets low in fiber.
- Some cellulose-digesting bacteria may have come from our primate ancestors, while others were acquired from domesticated herbivores like cows.
- These bacteria, though digesting cellulose for themselves, may provide benefits to human health through byproducts and immune system interaction.
The study identified:
- Four distinct groups of cellulose-digesting bacteria in humans.
- A historical decline in these bacteria with dietary changes.
- Potential benefits to gut health from these bacteria, even if they contribute minimally to direct food processing.
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