A Gut-Friendly Approach to Growing and Eating Healthier Produce
We all know the saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away,” but recent research reveals there’s more to that apple than meets the eye. The bacteria that hitch a ride on your apple could be playing a significant role in your gut health.
Organic vs. Conventional Apples: What’s the Difference?
A study conducted by researchers at the Graz University of Technology compared the microbiota—the bacterial communities—of organic and conventional apples. The findings were significant: while both types of apples contain around 100 million bacterial cells per fruit, organically grown apples harbor a more diverse and beneficial microbial community than conventionally grown apples.
This bacterial diversity is crucial for both plant and human health. Organic apples were found to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus, which is often used in probiotics to support gut health. On the other hand, conventional apples had a higher concentration of potentially harmful bacteria such as Escherichia-Shigella, a group linked to foodborne illnesses.
The Importance of Diversity in Your Diet and Garden
The same principle applies to your garden as it does to your diet. By diversifying the plants in your garden, especially by using organic methods, you can enhance both the soil microbiome and the food you grow. This, in turn, can lead to a more diverse gut microbiome, which is essential for digestion, immune health, and overall well-being.
Growing your own organic produce, especially using diverse planting methods, opens up the possibility of dramatically improving the microbial diversity in your gut. You’re not just feeding yourself but also the beneficial bacteria in your digestive system that help keep you healthy.
Why Grow Your Own?
One of the main reasons to grow your own food is to control how it’s grown. Very few commercial growers are able to replicate the complex polyculture environments that are ideal for fostering a healthy microbiome in the soil and on the plants. Most are focused on maximizing yield, often at the expense of microbial diversity. Plus, it’s difficult to know the true nutrient levels in store-bought produce without expensive testing.
What Can You Do?
By growing your own organic food using diverse planting strategies, you can enhance both your soil’s health and your own gut microbiome. Start by adding a variety of plants to your garden to mimic the diverse environments found in organic orchards.
And remember, it’s not just about what’s on the surface. The microbiome that develops in the soil and on your homegrown produce could have a profound effect on your health.
To learn more sign up for our free mini course about creating a gut-friendly garden