Study finds snacking on almonds boosts gut health

Significantly increases the production of butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid that promotes gut health

A team of researchers from King’s College London investigated the impact of whole and ground almonds on the composition of gut microbes. The study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, is funded by the Almond Board of California.

The gut microbiome consists of thousands of micro-organisms 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 gut.

Lead author Professor Kevin Whelan, Head of Department of Nutritional Sciences at King’s College London, said: “Part of the way in which the gut microbiota impact human health is through the production of short-chain 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 health.”

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