The Ruminococcus bacteria in our gut microbiomes play a major role in helping us digest resistant starches - the complex carbohydrates found in high fiber foods such as lentils, beans, and unprocessed whole grains.

The slow digestion of these special carbs by Ruminococci has been associated with numerous health benefits such as reversing infectious diarrhea and reducing risk of diabetes and colon cancer.

One species of Ruminococcus has been associated with increased severity of Irritable Bowel symptoms, but most species are important and necessary for our digestive function.

References:

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