White bread, polyphenols and microbes

TO KNOW which bacteria – good or bad – are more abundant in our gut, we have to look no further than the types of food we eat. Further research points to some interesting new details about the microbiome (gut bacteria). For example, white bread can encourage growth of beneficial bacteria.

Bread increases Lactobacillus in the gut

A recent study led by Sonia González, suggests that we should consider the entire diet, and not just individual ingredients when evaluating the microbiome. A good diet maintains balance between good and bad bacteria. Many research support the benefits of fibre and probiotics in promoting the growth of good bacteria. But there are few studies on the effects of polyphenols (tea, fruit, vegetables and spices) on gut health, and Ms González and her team, focused on these. 

Pectin in citrus fruit is found to reduce the number of good bacteria in the gut

Thirty-eight healthy adults volunteered in this study which required them to provide details about their diets and stool samples for examination. The study revealed that pectin, the compound in citrus fruits, lowers the levels of some helpful bacteria. This is contrary to previous research on pectin alone. The researchers said that pectin interacts with other substances in oranges, leading to this unexpected effect. Their most novel finding, they said, was that white bread boosted Lactobacillus, a group of beneficial bacteria.

The complete study appears in the ACS' Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. The authors acknowledge funding from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation.  (Photo © anthonycz 123RF Stock Photo)