203 - ‘Walnut Consumption Alters the Gastrointestinal Microbiota, Microbially Derived Secondary Bile Acids, and Health Markers in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial’. The Journal of Nutrition. 148(6), 861-867

Reference Number: 203

Year: 2018

Authors: Holscher, H.D. et al

Link: Link to original paper

Health: Gut Microbiome - Creating Healthier Bread to Support Optimal Gut Health

Inclusions: Nuts>Walnuts

Summary

Epidemiologic data suggest that diets rich in nuts have beneficial health effects, including reducing total and cause-specific mortality from cancer and heart disease. Although there is accumulating preclinical evidence that walnuts beneficially affect the gastrointestinal microbiota and gut and metabolic health, these relations have not been investigated in humans.

We aimed to assess the impact of walnut consumption on the human gastrointestinal microbiota and metabolic markers of health.

 

SIGNIFICANCE OF THIS STUDY

Studies have suggested a diet rich in nuts has beneficial health effects. This research looked at whether eating walnuts affected the gut microbes. They found that the relative numbers of gut bacteria and the acids they produce changed when walnuts were included in the diet, suggesting that the health effects may be linked to our microbiome.

Including nuts, especially walnuts, in our baking could potentially have positive health benefits.