How do animal and plant foods affect gut health?

Although animal milk and plant-based plants help gut health, animal milk shows high support for good bacteria, raising important questions for food choices.

Analysis: Effects of Milk Change vs. Vegetable Milk on Human Gut Microbiota and Human Health Effects.

In a recent review published in the journal Energyresearchers examined how animal milk and other types of plant milk affect the gut microbiota.

Their findings suggest that while both types of milk can promote gut health, animal milk generally supports a richer and more diverse microbiota, with specific components that provide targeted benefits, while plant-based plants also contribute in a positive way but can sometimes promote the growth of harmful bacteria. certain circumstances.

The Health of Milk and Guts

Milk is an important source of nutrition for mammals, especially during infancy. It provides essential energy and nutrients needed for growth and development. Humans are unique in continuing to drink milk into adulthood.

Milk is known to be rich in calcium, vitamins and proteins, which provide anti-inflammatory benefits. These components have been linked to the prevention of diseases such as heart problems, osteoporosis and diabetes.

Despite the many benefits, milk consumption has declined in some areas. This trend is driven by factors such as lactose intolerance, allergies, ethical concerns, and the popularity of plant-based milk alternatives.

These substitutes, made from ingredients such as soy, almonds and flour, are marketed as healthy and sustainable. However, research on their effect on gut microbiota is still limited, and results vary depending on the type of milk and individual factors.

Gut microbiota plays an important role in overall health, affecting immunity, metabolism, and even brain function. While specific components of animal milk, such as protein and fat, have been shown to support gut health, other plant-based alternatives have also been found to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria. However, some evidence suggests that some types of plant milk, in some cases, can promote the growth of harmful bacteria, although this occurs at a low level.

Animal Milk

Animal milk, especially from cows, is considered a functional food due to its bioactive molecules, including proteins, fats and oligosaccharides. These ingredients have been shown to have positive effects on gut health.

For example, studies have found that animal milk promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria. In addition, components such as whey proteins and lactose support gut health by acting as prebiotics, encouraging the growth of beneficial bacteria while providing antimicrobial effects.

Cow’s milk has been particularly noted for its ability to promote beneficial bacteria and reduce harmful bacteria such as Clostridium. Its oligosaccharides, along with whey proteins, have been found to increase the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which improve gut health by boosting satiety and immune function. in diseases.

Mare’s milk, which shares some similarities with human milk, has also been found to support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. This makes it very useful for people with allergies or hyperlipidemia.

Goat milk, another animal choice, contains oligosaccharides that act as prebiotics, increasing SCFA production and improving intestinal barrier function. It also promotes good bacteria, although in some cases, it has been associated with promoting the growth of Helicobacterbacteria associated with gastrointestinal problems.

Camel milk, known for its many immunomodulatory proteins and antibodies, has also shown benefits for gut health. It increases good bacteria while reducing harmful bacteria such as Shigela and Escherichia. Its ability to boost SCFA production further enhances its positive effect on gut health and immune responses.

Plant-based dairy alternatives

Some types of plant-based milk have become very popular due to their health and environmental benefits. These drinks, made with ingredients such as soy, almonds and oats, have better nutritional information than dairy milk.

Generally low in protein and fat, plant-based alternatives are often high in saturated fat and carbohydrates. They are also free of lactose and cholesterol, which makes them suitable for people with lactose intolerance or milk protein allergies. In addition, alcoholic beverages contain antioxidants and phytosterols, which help reduce oxidative stress in the body.

Although plant-based milk can affect gut health, promoting the growth of good bacteria, there are other factors involved. For example, soy milk has been found to increase beneficial bacteria while decreasing harmful ones Proteobacteria.

However, other studies have shown that some types of plant-based milk can promote the growth of bacteria such as Fusobacteria and Salmonellaalthough usually at low and manageable levels.

Decisions

The consumption of plant-based dairy products is increasing worldwide, especially in places like Europe. Although these drinks can mimic some of the nutrients found in animal milk, there are still significant differences in their proteins and fats.

Plant-based milk is also lactose- and cholesterol-free, which makes it suitable for people with special dietary restrictions. While research on their effect on the gut microbiota is emerging, many studies suggest that animal and plant-based milks can make a positive contribution to gut health, albeit with side effects. and various effects.

The study noted the importance of dairy for gut health while highlighting some concerns. Although animal milk seems to offer many benefits for gut health, other types of plants still provide positive results.

However, it is important to consider individual nutritional needs and preferences when recommending one type of milk over another, especially given the differences in gut microbiota responses. Future studies will help clarify how the two types of milk affect the gut microbiota, ultimately guiding food choices based on a person’s health needs.