BaMiKo: Fibers, Microbiologie and Cooking

Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of food and microbes with the BaMiKo project. Every bite that we eat, feeds not just our body but also our gut microbiome. The many and diverse microorganisms in our intestines break down our nutrition and provide the body with vital minerals and vitamins. Simultaneously they protect against pathogens. Nutrition has a strong influence on the composition of the gut microbiome which in turn can influence our general wellbeing. Diseases such as inflammatory bowel diseases, obesity, diabetes, autism and even diseases such as Depression and Parkinson have all been linked to changes in the gut microbiome. The microbial composition in our intestines thus play a large role in our overall health resulting in a many scientists researching this fascinating topic. For a healthy gut microbiome experts recommend ingesting sufficient fibers, which can be found in foods such as fruits, vegetables, beans or whole grain products. Despite this recommendation only 15% of western adults consume enough fibers on a daily basis. This is unfortunate as studies have shown that even after a few days of a reduced fiber intake gut health and microbiome are already affected. Precisely this topic is the focus of BaMiKo: gut microbiologists will cooperate with science communications experts to enlighten adolescents and students between the ages of 15-25 about the importance of fibers for our general wellbeing. As they prepare to start cooking for themselves the BaMiKo project will introduce them to foods that are good for their health and their gut microbiome. Cooking videos will be developed together with the Höheren Bundeslehr- und Forschungsanstalt für Landwirtschaft und Ernährung (HBLFA) Tirol containing recipes and information about the gut microbiome. The cooking experience and nutritional habits of the students will help shape the videos, whereas local sourcing and sustainability will be taken into account for the recipes. A total of six recipes will be developed and incorporated into 10 to 15 minute videos assisted by the HBLFA students. Results from current research, including the FWF basis project (P 27831) will also be included in the videos. The final videos will be shared through multiple online channels and will be published on the Darm Kram website (www.darmkram.at). The Darm Kram website will post regular pieces about fibers and the gut microbiome. In addition to an online presence, the BaMiKo project will also be present at science festivals to share the importance of fibers and gut microbiota to a larger audience.