Suffering from intestinal problems? Do you like almonds? We may have found the solution for you. A new study conducted at King’s College London found evidence that eating almonds, whole or ground, is beneficial to the digestive system and helps to develop microorganisms living in the intestines, which play an essential role in digestion and have a positive effect on human health.
The study involved 87 adults who testified that they eat less than the recommended amount of dietary fiber and also testified that they regularly eat unhealthy snacks. Participants were divided into three groups, one whose snacks were swapped for 56 grams of whole almonds per day, another for 56 grams of ground almonds per day, and the control group ate an energy-matched cake as a control. The experiment lasted four weeks.
“Part of the way the bacteria affect human health is through the production of short-chain fatty acids, such as butyrate, according to lead researcher Professor Kevin Whelan, head of the Department of Nutritional Sciences at King’s College London. Short-chain fat, which serves as a fuel source for cells in the large intestine, regulates Absorption of other nutrients in the intestine and helps balance the immune system.
The researchers discovered that the positive substance was found in a significantly higher amount among those who ate almonds compared to those who ate a cookie. The researchers explain that when the cells of the large intestine work efficiently, they provide an ideal condition for the growth of the intestinal microbes, the intestinal wall becomes stronger, does not leak or become inflamed, and improves the absorption of nutrients.
The researchers did not notice a significant difference in the transit time of the substance in the intestines, but those who ate whole almonds had 1.5 more bowel movements per week compared to the other groups. These findings indicate that eating almonds can also benefit those who suffer from constipation.