A common gut resident has a surprising talent: making a compound that targets the same cholesterol-producing enzyme as statins. Its effect on artery plaque caught scientists’ attention—and what you feed it deserves yours.

What if feeding your gut microbes helped your body absorb fewer calories without leaving you hungrier? That’s what researchers found when they put a gut-friendly eating plan to the test. It reveals a gap in the calorie-counting advice we’ve heard for decades.