health benefits plant

Health benefits of plant compounds

ByJustpaste.in

Eating more plant based foods may benefit several areas of health including digestion the immune system metabolism and heart health.

New research is helping scientists understand how foods from plants interact with the bacteria in our gut and influence the way our body processes nutrients.

Gut bacteria play an important role

One important reason plant based foods may be beneficial is their effect on the gut microbiome the large community of bacteria living in the digestive system.

Dietary fiber is especially important. Gut bacteria break down fiber and turn it into different compounds that can affect the body in various ways.

Plant chemicals may also help

Plants contain natural chemicals called phytochemicals. These compounds help plants protect themselves from environmental stress.  When people eat plant foods these chemicals may also have different effects inside the body.

What did the new studies find?

Two studies led by researchers associated with Princeton University provided new information about the connection between diet, gut bacteria and metabolism.  One study was published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences while the other appeared in Nature Metabolism.

The first study found that plant based fiber and certain plant proteins can change how gut bacteria process nutrients.  These changes may increase some helpful metabolic compounds while reducing certain potentially harmful ones.

The second study found that some metabolic compounds previously thought to be produced mainly by gut bacteria can also be made in significant amounts by mammals themselves.

Why this research matters

Researchers are increasingly interested in using the gut microbiome and the compounds it produces to improve health.  However scientists first need to understand exactly how different parts of our diet affect specific gut bacteria and the substances they produce.

Future health benefits

These findings could eventually help researchers develop better dietary strategies and treatments aimed at supporting a healthy gut microbiome.

In the future this may make it possible to use food choices more effectively to encourage the production of beneficial compounds in the body.

Similar Posts

  • Tracing the spiritual legacy of “Nanak Se Nankana”

    ByJustpaste.in

    In the fertile plains of Punjab lies a landscape quietly layered with centuries of devotion, miracle tales, and interfaith kinship. This sanctuary of green fields was known as Rai-Bhoi-Di-Talwandi. The time long before the bustling town of Nankana Sahib bore its current name. It was overseen by Rai Bhoi Bhatti, a local Muslim landlord whose family had influence over the region. Yet, history transitioned irreversibly in 1469. It was in this soil that Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, was born to Mehta Kalu and Mata Tripta. Rai Bular Bhatti (Rai Bhoi’s descendant) renamed the settlement Nankana Sahib in his honor. He was basically moved by the extraordinary spiritual wisdom radiating from the young child. Thus began a historical and spiritual trajectory known throughout the subcontinent as Nanak Se Nankana. The sacred evolution of a man into a timeless sanctuary. What makes Nankana Sahib uniquely enchanting is that the entire geography operates as a living storyboard. The city’s trees, fields, and lanes are strongly knitted  into local folklore. And each folklore is  marked by a Gurdwara commemorating young Nanak’s childhood and early enlightenment. Gurdwara Janam Asthan is the crown of the holy city. This magnificent marble compound stands at the site of Guru Nanak’s ancestral home. It was originally built as a small sanctum by his descendants. Later transformed into a grand complex surrounded by reflective Sarovars (holy pools) during the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. According to popular regional legend, a young Nanak was sleeping out in the open pastures while tending to his father’s cattle. As the afternoon sun shifted, a large cobra slithered out and expanded its hood above his face to shade him from the blistering heat. Rai Bular Bhatti witnessed this miracle from his horse and then showed his devotion for Nanak. The ancient Jal (Mal) tree under which the event occurred still casts its shade today at Gurdwara Malji Sahib. Local folklore recalls a peasant complaining that Nanak’s roaming cattle had ruined his crops. Yet, when officials inspected the field, the damaged green stalks had miraculously grew back whole and undamaged. Gurdwara Kiara Sahib stands today atop that very field. When young Nanak returned from a nearby market town having spent his father’s money entirely on feeding hungry sadhus (Sacha Sauda or the True Bargain), he feared his father’s anger. He hid beneath a large, canopy-like tree whose drooping branches resembled a tent (tambu). Nearby stands Patti Sahib, where a seven-year-old Nanak astounded his teacher by writing an acrostic poem on the alphabet explaining divine truths instead of mere grammar. Beyond the miraculous legends of childhood, Nankana Sahib carries profound historical lore. It weathered the turbulent Sikh Empire era. The city witnessed the heroic sacrifices of the 1921 Akali Movement reform at Janam Asthan. It also survived the painful demographics shifts of the 1947 Partition. Today, the journey of Nanak Se Nankana remains an emotional pilgrimage. Every year during Gurpurab (Guru Nanak’s birth anniversary), thousands of pilgrims from across the globe cross borders to converge on these quiet lanes. The devotees step through the grand archways of Gurdwara Janam Asthan and touch the dust of Nankana to their foreheads. They aren’t just visiting a building. They are retracing a historical path that transformed a quiet Punjab meadow into a sanctuary of universal love, humility, and timeless unity.  

  • Better Facilities in Turbat’s Hospitals

    ByJustpaste.in

    Hani Rasheed  Turbat urgently needs better healthcare facilities. Although some improvements have been made, many patients still face shortages of medicines, medical equipment, and specialist doctors. Poor families often have to travel to other cities for treatment which is costly and difficult. Access to quality healthcare is a basic right and should be available to everyone. The authorities should ensure that hospitals are fully equipped, essential medicines are available, and qualified doctors and staff are appointed. Better healthcare services will reduce the suffering of patients and improve the well-being of the people of Turbat.

  • MIT robot can fly and swim

    ByJustpaste.in

    Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have created a unique robot that can both fly through the air and swim underwater just like diving birds. The lightweight robot costs around $300 and was designed by MIT’s AeroAquatic Robotics team.  Scientists believe it could one day help monitor oceans study marine life and support environmental protection. The robot was inspired by diving birds which use the same wings to fly in the air and move through water.  While scientists have studied these birds for years building a robot that can perform both tasks efficiently has been a major challenge. To solve this the MIT team carefully studied how diving birds move and used those findings to design the new machine. The robot called the Flapping Aerial Aquatic Vehicle weighs only 250 grams.  It runs on a battery powered motor and has nylon wings and a tail coated with water resistant nanoparticles to protect them from moisture. According to the researchers the robot is programmed to flap its wings at a specific frequency allowing it to move smoothly in both air and water without changing its basic movement. It can fly at speeds of up to 13.4 miles per hour and swim at about 2.2 miles per hour. On a single battery charge it is designed to fly as far as 6 kilometers or swim up to 2 kilometers. The robot was tested for about one year first in a water tank in Massachusetts and later in Lake Geneva Switzerland where researchers evaluated its performance in real world conditions.

  • | | |

    Body fat new study reveals its crucial role in met…

    ByJustpaste.in

    A new scientific study has highlighted that body fat is much more than a source of extra weight. Researchers say fat tissue functions as an essential organ that helps regulate metabolism, stores energy, and produces hormones needed for the body’s normal functioning. According to the researchers, while excessive body fat is widely associated with conditions such as diabetes and heart disease, having too little body fat can also pose serious health risks. The findings suggest that maintaining a healthy balance of body fat is important for overall metabolic health. The study focused on a rare inherited disorder known as Familial Partial Lipodystrophy Type 2 (FPLD2). People with this condition lose fat from specific parts of the body or experience abnormal fat distribution, increasing their risk of diabetes and other metabolic disorders. A research team led by American endocrinologist Dr. Elif Oral examined patients with the condition and found that affected fat cells develop significant structural and functional abnormalities. These changes can disrupt the body’s metabolism and contribute to a range of health complications. To better understand the disease, scientists created a mouse model in which the Lamin A/C gene was switched off only in fat cells. This is the same gene known to be affected in individuals with FPLD2. The model allowed researchers to closely examine how defects in fat tissue influence the body’s metabolic processes. Researchers believe the findings could improve understanding of rare fat disorders while also opening new avenues for the development of treatments for diabetes and other metabolic diseases. The study reinforces the idea that healthy fat tissue plays a vital role in maintaining the body’s balance and overall well-being.

  • AC mistake to avoid after heat

    ByJustpaste.in

    After spending time outside in extreme heat switching on the air conditioner as soon as you get home may feel refreshing. However health experts say this habit can sometimes be harmful. According to doctors the body works continuously to keep its temperature balanced. In hot weather it cools itself by producing sweat and widening blood vessels. If you suddenly move from intense heat into a very cold room your body experiences a rapid temperature change. This is known as thermal shock. Experts say this sudden change may cause headaches sore throat coughing dizziness tiredness breathing problems or a feeling of discomfort. People with asthma allergies or other breathing conditions may be affected more seriously. Health specialists recommend resting for a few minutes in a shaded or normally cooled area after coming home instead of sitting directly in front of the AC. This gives your body time to adjust gradually. They also advise drinking enough water before entering a very cold room. Hot weather can lead to dehydration and staying hydrated helps reduce stress on the body. Another concern is that air conditioners can dry out the air which may dry the nose and throat. This can lead to throat irritation dryness or coughing especially if the AC is set to a very low temperature or the cold air blows directly on the body. Doctors say there is no need to avoid using an air conditioner during summer. Instead keep the temperature at a comfortable level drink plenty of water and avoid moving straight from extreme heat into a very cold environment. These simple steps can help protect your health and reduce the risk of heat related problems.

  • Ultrasound patch may help improve sleep without medication

    ByJustpaste.in

    Scientists at the University of Texas in the United States have developed an advanced wearable patch that may help people enter REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep more quickly and remain in this stage for longer without surgery or medication. According to scientists, the device called NEUSLeeP combines electrodes that monitor brain activity in real time. Researchers say the technology can target deeper areas of the brain associated with REM sleep while simultaneously monitoring the brain’s response. Scientists tested the patch on 28 people and the findings were published in the scientific journal Nature Communications. According to the study, people using the device entered REM sleep an average of 43 minutes earlier and spent approximately 16 additional minutes in this stage. The effect was observed both in healthy individuals and in people experiencing sleep problems. Participants reported that the patch was comfortable to wear while only minimal side effects were observed during the study. Researchers also found that ultrasound treatment caused certain changes in the body associated with stress regulation. Among healthy participants, a significant increase in heart-rate variability was observed which is generally associated with the body’s ability to cope with and respond to stress. Changes were also observed in brain circuits involved in emotional processing during brain imaging. According to researchers, these findings are important because disruptions in REM sleep have been linked to mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Scientists emphasized that further large-scale research is needed before NEUSLeeP can be used as a standard treatment. Future studies are planned to determine whether the technology could also be effective for people experiencing chronic insomnia, depression and PTSD.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *