The Mediterranean diet is characterized by the great variety of foods that compose it and its richness in nutrients. Vegetables and fruit play a very important role in this diet because they contain essential elements whose biological properties have a beneficial effect on health.
During the digestion process, the different components of the fruits are released and, once metabolized, they perform their function in our organism. Many metabolites, such as phytochemical compounds, are not absorbed and reach the colon where they encounter intestinal bacteria that metabolize them into bioactive compounds.
These compounds, of smaller size and molecular weight, give rise to metabotypes that are absorbed and make a beneficial contribution to functions relevant to our health.
As we have commented on other occasions, the microbiota is specific to each individual and depends very much on his or her lifestyle and diet. Depending on the type of predominant bacterial population, the metabotypes are different.
Metabotype mediates the effect of the metabolite on our health so that, if the bacteria that produce specific metabotypes are known, a new door is opened to functional food research and nutrition as a potent therapeutic weapon.
Barberán Tomas F.A, García Villalva R, González Sarrías A, Giménez Bastida J.A, Selma M.V, Espín J.C. Interactions of Mediterranean fruits with the intestinal microbiota: effects on health.ANNALS OF microbiota, Probiotics & Prebiotics. 2022;(2):150.
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