Snacking on almonds might be effective in improving gut health: Study

Eating a handful of almonds a day significantly increases the production of butyrate a shortchain fatty acid that promotes gut health according to a recent studyA team of researchers from Kings College London investigated the impact of whole and ground almonds on the composition of gut microbes The study published today in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition is funded by the Almond Board of CaliforniaThe gut microbiome consists of thousands of microorganisms living in the gut These play a vital role in digesting nutrients and can have a positive or negative influence on our health including our digestive and immune systems The mechanisms of how the gut microbiomes have an impact on human health is still being investigated but evidence suggests eating specific types of food can positively influence the types of bacteria in our gut or what they do in our gutResearchers at Kings College London recruited 87 healthy adults who were already eating less than the recommended amount of dietary fibre and who snacked on typical unhealthy snacks eg chocolate crisps Participants were split into three groups one group changed their snacks for 56 g of whole almonds a day another for 56 g of ground almonds a day and the control group ate energymatched muffins as a control The trial lasted four weeksResearchers found that butyrate was significantly higher among almond eaters compared to those who consumed the muffin Butyrate is a shortchain fatty acid that is the main source of fuel for the cells lining the colon When these cells function effectively it provides an ideal condition for gut microbes to flourish for the gut wall to be strong and not leaky or inflamed and for nutrients to be absorbedNo significant difference was observed in gut transit time the time it takes for food to move all the way through the gut however wholealmond eaters had an additional 15 bowel movements per week compared to the other groups These findings suggest eating almonds could also benefit those with constipation Testing showed that eating whole and ground almond improved peoples diets having higher intakes of monosaturated fatty acids fibre potassium and other important nutrients compared to the control groupLead author Professor Kevin Whelan Head of the Department of Nutritional Sciences at Kings College London said Part of the way in which the gut microbiota impact human health is through the production of shortchain fatty acids such as butyrate These molecules act as a fuel source for cells in the colon they regulate absorption of other nutrients in the gut and help balance the immune system We think these findings suggest almond consumption may benefit bacterial metabolism in a way that has the potential to influence human healthAlso read Diwali 2022 Do you have sweet cravings Mumbai chefs share these unique recipes for you to relishThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever