This is how walnuts can help you have a healthy gut

The study suggests that eating two to three ounces of walnuts a day as part of a healthy diet could be a good way to improve gut health and reduce the risk of heart disease. According to the researchers, another research has found that changes to the bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract -- also known as the gut microbiome -- may help explain the cardiovascular benefits of walnuts.

For the study, the researchers recruited 42 participants with overweight or obesity who were between the ages of 30 and 65. Before the study began, participants were placed on an average American diet for two weeks. After this "run-in" diet, the participants were randomly assigned to one of three study diets, all of which included less saturated fat than the run-in diet. The diets included one that incorporated whole walnuts, one that included the same amount of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids without walnuts, and one that partially substituted oleic acid (another fatty acid) for the same amount of ALA found in walnuts, without any walnuts. In all three diets, walnuts or vegetable oils replaced saturated fat, and all participants followed each diet for six weeks with a break between diet periods.

In the analysis it was found that the walnut diet enriched a number of gut bacteria that have been associated with health benefits in the past. One of those is Roseburia, which has been associated with protection of the gut lining. A substantial enrichment in Eubacteria eligens and Butyricicoccus were also seen during the analysis of the research. The researchers also found that after the walnut diet, there were significant associations between changes in gut bacteria and risk factors for heart disease.

It is important to understand that body reacts the way it is treated, so if you want to keep it healthy, nourish it with everything good. And walnuts being a great source of antioxidants, will also help you control inflammation, support weight control and is also known for lowering blood pressure.

Inputs from ANI