A plant-based diet lowers your risks of diabetes and heart disease by boosting healthy gut bacteria, study finds Plant-based diets are linked to plenty of health benefits, and new evidence suggests it may be because they cultivate friendly bacteria in our gut that control blood sugar levels. The study, published January 11 in Nature Medicine, is the largest and most detailed to date that looks at gut microbiome, diet, and health. The key to growing a strong gut microbiome seems to be eating mainly nutrient-dense whole plant foods, but also steering clear of processed foods, refined starches and oils, and added sugar. Knight Lab January 19, 2021 0 Share