Gut health is critical to overall health, as the gut is home to a diverse community of microbes known as the gut microbiome that play important roles in digestion, immunity, and mental health. A healthy gut microbiota is characterized by a diverse, balanced and beneficial bacterial population.
Two recent studies suggest that adding peanuts, herbs and spices to your diet may increase the amount of gut bacteria that can improve your health.
A new study from Pennsylvania State University found that consuming an ounce of peanuts or a teaspoon of herbs and spices a day may improve gut bacterial composition, an indicator of overall health. His two separate studies, conducted by nutritional scientists, revealed that minor changes to the average American’s diet resulted in positive effects on the gut microbiome.
The gut microbiota is the vast community of microorganisms that reside in the human intestinal tract. It is made up of trillions of bacteria and plays an important role in regulating various body systems, including metabolism and the immune system.
Penny M. Chris Etherton, Professor of Nutritional Sciences at Evan Pugh University, said: Pennsylvania.
About the peanut study published in the journal clinical nutritionKris-Etherton and her colleagues compared the effects of 28 grams (about 1 ounce) of peanuts per day to the more carbohydrate-rich snacks crackers and cheese. Participants who ate showed increased amounts of Ruminococcaceae, a group of bacteria associated with healthy liver metabolism and immune function.
In a study of herbs and spices published in journal of nutritionscientists add a blend of herbs and spices including cinnamon, ginger, cumin, turmeric, rosemary, oregano, basil and thyme to the controlled diets of participants at risk of cardiovascular disease. The team looked at three doses. At the end of the four weeks, participants found that, especially with moderate and high doses of herbs and spices, the participants were more likely to experience changes in gut bacteria diversity, including an increase in Ruminococcaceae. showed an increase in sexuality.
“It’s very easy for people to do,” says Kris-Etherton. “The average American’s diet is far from ideal, so I think everyone can benefit from adding herbs and spices. , seasoning food in a way that makes it delicious and actually delicious! Taste is the most important criterion for why people choose their food.”
In both studies, increased diversity in Ruminococcaceae and bacteria was seen in a positive light, allowing scientists to learn more about the relationship between the gut microbiome and various health factors, from blood pressure to weight. We keep learning. However, Kris-Etherton is quick to point out that more research is needed to understand the full impact.
“We need a lot more research on the microbiome to make sure it’s in the right place from an overall health perspective,” she said.
Reference: “Peanuts as a nighttime snack enhances butyrate-producing bacteria compared with isocaloric low-fat high-carbohydrate snacks in adults with elevated fasting blood glucose levels: a randomized crossover trial.” Philip A. Sapp, Penny M. Chris-Etherton, Elke A. Arnesen, Jeremy R. Chen See, Regina Lamendella, Kristina S. Petersen, 13 Aug 2022, clinical nutrition.
DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2022.08.004
This work was supported by the Peanut Institute and the Penn State University Clinical and Translational Institute. This work was supported not only by the National Science Foundation, but also by grants from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute to Juniata His College, through pre-college and undergraduate science education programs.
“Herbs and spices modulate gut bacterial composition in adults at risk for CVD: results of a prespecified exploratory analysis from a randomized crossover controlled feeding study.” Christina S. Petersen, Samantha Anderson , Jeremy R Cheng Shi, Gillian Leister, Penny M Chris Etherton and Regina Lamendera, 2 Sept. 2022, journal of nutrition.
DOI: 10.1093/jn/nxac201
This research was funded by the McCormick Institute for Science. Additionally, this research was supported by the National Center for Advanced Translational Sciences (NIH). This research also received computational resource support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute through precollege and undergraduate science education programs, as well as the National Science Foundation.
