,regionOfInterest=(1024,668)&hash=89f86f91ea216be900698b736b97d3b8c4390a1598accc6e3b024a3c1e9916d8)
New research suggests an evening snack of pistachios may positively influence the gut microbiome in adults with prediabetes, Fitbook reported.
The study, observed over twelve weeks, found that participants eating a 57-gram nightly portion of pistachios experienced changes in their gut flora composition.
During the investigation, researchers monitored 51 adults to observe the effects of different evening snacks. In the first phase of the study, participants consumed 57 grams of pistachios every evening, while the second phase involved eating whole grain crackers with cheese. The study specifically focused on the gut microbiome, which regulates inflammation and blood sugar.
The results indicated that the composition of the gut flora changed significantly during the pistachio phase. There was an increase in health-promoting bacteria, specifically Roseburia and Lachnospiraceae. These bacteria produce short-chain fatty acids, such as butyrate, which are essential for providing energy to intestinal cells. There were also fewer unfavorable bacteria associated with negative metabolic outcomes following the pistachio phase.
In addition to examining the microbiome, researchers investigated the participants’ fasting blood sugar and insulin levels. Prediabetes is a state where blood sugar levels are elevated but have not yet reached the threshold for type 2 diabetes, making nutrition a decisive factor in potentially stopping the development of the disease.
While the findings are promising, certain limitations were noted in the study. The research was supported by the American Pistachio Growers, which may represent a conflict of interest. Because the study was conducted primarily with male participants, the results may not apply to all populations. It also remains unclear if all participants strictly followed the guidelines or if other factors influenced the outcome.
Although pistachios cannot be definitively viewed as a cure for prediabetes, the positive effects on the microbiome represent a promising development. While the microbiome alone is not the deciding factor in reversing prediabetes, it can support positive progress. Further large-scale studies may be required to confirm these results and highlight the role of pistachios in the diets of those with prediabetes.
