Food for Thought: Nutrition and Health

Food is super complex – and so is studying it! As it’s becoming increasingly difficult to verify nutrition claims in the online and media world, the topic of food and wellness is evermore constant. Can you tell if something isn’t quite right with a headline or something your mates are talking about down the pub is actually true? Whether it’s wondering if juice detoxes actually do anything, if ultra-processed food is all junk, or if sweeteners destroy your gut microbiome, we’re going to learn a little something about everything using the skill of staying curious and understanding nuance.

Our gut is home to trillions of microorganisms known as the gut microbiome. These microbes can break down molecules known as phytochemicals found in fruits and vegetables, into compounds which are beneficial to us. Phytochemicals are thought to change the composition and diversity of the microbiome. We want to carry out a study where we measure the effects of a varied diet on the gut microbiome of the participants and to see if there are any metabolic benefits to these diets.

The overconsumption of meat poses adverse effects on health and the environment, which has now become an undeniable fact. Following a plant-based diet will potentially ease the burden of chronic disease epidemics and slow down climate change. This talk will arm you with the essential knowledge to secure your nutritional needs when following a plant-based diet.