Abstract: The gut microbiota is an important part in human body and plays an important role in the metabolism and health state of the host. The structure of the gut microbiota can be influenced by host status, genes, dietary habits, age and the environment. Diet is the most important and prompt factor for the structure and function of the gut microbiota. Minor cereals, legumes, fruits and vegetables are common food resources in our daily life, and their dietary fiber and polyphenols have been demonstrated to have important roles in regulating the gut microbiota. Dietary fiber can be fermented by the gut microbiota to produce vitamins and short chain fatty acids, and can selectively enhance the abundance of some beneficial bacteria to improve the health state of the host. In addition, the majority of phenols can be metabolized by the gut microbiota to enhance their bioavailability and consequently improve the host physiological state. In this paper, we review recent progress in our understanding of the regulation of the gut microbiota by minor cereals, legumes, fruits and vegetables commonly consumed by humans and discuss future prospects of the gut microbiota as a target in the prevention and treatment of metabolic diseases or dietary intervention.

Key words: gut microbiota, cereals, legumes, fruits and vegetables, dietary fiber, polyphenols