Some trends make sense. Pistachio, for example, is no longer just the green cousin of peanuts: it has become the star of ice, chocolates, pasta, alfajores and even cafes. And while its popularity explodes in Argentina – where its culture is also booming – science has just added a reason for weight to always have them on hand: eating pistachios in the evening could improve the balance of intestinal bacteria, which, in prediabetic people, is far from trivial.
A research team from Penn State University, in the United States, studied what was going on in the intestine of prediabetic people when they replaced their usual evenings of the evening (wholemeal or cookies, for example) by pistachios. And what they discovered is that after 12 weeks, the intestinal bacterial profile changed significantly.
A transformed intestine with 57 grams
Fairy material samples were taken from the 51 participants in order to analyze their microbiota, that is to say the microorganism ecosystem that lives in our intestines And influence of processes such as digestion, immunity, mood and metabolism.
Participants consumed 57 grams of pistachios each evening (the equivalent of a good double handful) for three months. In parallel, they also followed a standard power supply with snacks rich in carbohydrates, during a second phase of the test. The comparison between the two scenarios has proven to be instructive: those who ate pistachios have developed a more diverse intestinal flora, with a greater presence of “beneficial” bacteria, like those of the genre Roseburia and family Lachnospiraceae.
Why is it important? Because these bacteria contribute to the production of butyrate, a short chain fatty acid with anti-inflammatory properties, which preserves the intestinal wall and promotes better absorption of nutrients. In summary: a happy and efficient intestine.
Fewer “undesirable” bacteria, more metabolic health
Nocturnal consumption of pistachios has not only enriched flora in beneficial bacteria: It has also reduced the presence of others, less desirable. The levels of Blautia hydrogenotrophica – Associated with negative effects on kidney and cardiovascular health – have significantly decreased. The same goes for Eubacterium flavonifractora bacteria that degrades antioxidants, however beneficial … Present, precisely, in the pistachio itself.
“These changes could have positive long -term health effects, such as helping to slow the progression of type 2 diabetes,” said Kristina Petersen, author of the study published in the journal Current Developments in Nutrition
Even if it is not yet certain that this transformation of the microbiota translates directly into clinical benefits, Researchers believe that this is an important step to better understand how certain specific foods can adjust intestinal health.
Why pistachios, and why in the evening?
The choice of the moment is not fortuitous. In prediabetic people, it is common to recommend a small carbohydrate taking before bedtime in order to stabilize blood sugar during the night and upon waking. The pistachio – rich in good fats, fibers, proteins and antioxidant compounds – has proven to have an effect comparable to that of a tartine, but with additional benefits for the intestine.
Moreover, He does not lead to a brutal pic of blood sugar, This makes it an interesting alternative to the classic nightfields.
In Argentina, the pistachio takes root
Although pistachio is not from this region of the world, Its culture is progressing in hot and dry areas at fresh nights, such as Rioja, San Juan, Mendoza, Pampa or Catamarca. And with it, consumption also increases: there are more and more in dietary stores, cafes and gourmet rays. Of exotic dry food, it has become a full -fledged subject in healthy food discussions.
At a time when intestinal health is becoming more and more important, This little green fruit seems to the challenge.
Article reference:
Riley, Terrence M et al. Nighttime Pistachio Consumption Alters Stool Microbiota Diversity and Taxa Abundance Compared with Education to Consume 1–2 Carbohydrate Exchanges (15–30 grams) over 12 Weeks in Adults with Prediabetes: A Secondary Analysis from a Randomized Crossover Trial. Current Developments in Nutrition.
