Scientists conducted a 12-week experiment with 51 volunteers with prediabetes. Participants were given 60 grams of pistachios as a snack before bed, then discontinued the nuts after a break. The control group consisted of participants who ate a traditional carbohydrate snack. It turned out that pistachios in the diet significantly improved the composition of the gut microbiota, according to Science Daily.
Nut consumption significantly increased the abundance of certain beneficial bacterial strains, such as Lachnospiraceae, which produce beneficial short-chain fatty acids such as butyrate. Butyrate is known to support the intestinal barrier and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Conversely, levels of pathogenic strains associated with metabolic disorders decreased.
"As we see, pistachios can significantly alter the microbial composition of people with prediabetes, especially when consumed as an evening snack," said study author Christina Petersen. She believes these changes will have long-term health benefits, reducing inflammation and slowing the progression of diabetes.
Scientists now need to conduct a larger, longer-term study to confirm their findings. The results could form the basis for new dietary recommendations for people with prediabetes.
Previously, other researchers found that muscle strength reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by more than 40%. This data is equally important for developing new prevention strategies.
