‘Slimmer waists’ linked to food group in your diet that could boost health

Eating fermented foods may lead to slimmer waists and improved health, according to a recent study published in the Journal of Nutrition. This study is the first to provide “real-world” evidence of the benefits of consuming live bacteria found in fermented foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, and kimchi. While it has been widely believed that probiotics are good for our health, concrete evidence was lacking until now.

The research, conducted by scientists from the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics, analysed the levels of microbes in 9,000 different foods to determine their impact on health indicators such as weight and blood pressure. The results of the study showed that a higher intake of live microbes was associated with better health measurements, including improved blood pressure, blood glucose levels, reduced inflammation, smaller waist circumference, and lower body mass index.

Foods rich in live microbes, such as fermented foods, raw vegetables, and fruits, are not only nutritious but may also offer additional health benefits beyond what was previously recognized. While the study suggests that consuming these foods could have positive health effects, further research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits of a diet rich in live bacteria.

Professor Colin Hill from University College Cork, one of the co-authors of the study, emphasised the importance of including foods high in live microbes in a diverse and healthy diet. He noted that these foods could be providing unrecognized health benefits by interacting with the gut microbiome, immune system, and enteric nervous system.

However, experts caution that more research is necessary to establish a causal relationship between consuming live microbes and improved health outcomes. Co-lead author Professor Dan Tancredi from the University of California – Davis highlighted the need for further studies across different populations to confirm the potential benefits of incorporating more foods with live microbes into our diets.

In conclusion, the study sheds light on the potential benefits of including fermented foods and other sources of live bacteria in our diets for improved health outcomes. While more research is needed to fully understand the link between live microbes and health, this study provides valuable insights into the role of probiotics in promoting overall well-being.