The Non-Obvious Benefits of Pistachios Revealed

Pistachios at night work wonders: scientists have discovered their beneficial effect on gut microflora in people with prediabetes. The study, conducted by specialists from Pennsylvania State University, was published in the prestigious scientific journal Current Developments in Nutrition (CDN).

The large-scale experiment involved 51 adults diagnosed with prediabetes. Volunteers alternately went through two 12-week periods, consuming either a traditional carbohydrate snack (1-2 slices of whole grain bread) or a portion of pistachios weighing about 57 grams before bedtime. Scientists meticulously collected and analyzed stool samples from participants to assess changes in the composition of gut microbiota.

The results of the study amazed the scientific community: an evening snack of pistachios promoted the active growth of beneficial bacteria Roseburia and representatives of the Lachnospiraceae family. These microorganisms are famous for their ability to produce butyric acid (butyrate) – a valuable substance that nourishes intestinal cells, strengthens immunity, and reduces inflammation in the body. Moreover, after the period of the "pistachio diet," researchers recorded a significant reduction in potentially harmful bacteria, including Blautia hydrogenotrophica, which may be associated with an increased risk of developing kidney and cardiovascular diseases.

Scientists suggest that it is precisely this beneficial effect on the microbiome that may explain the potential benefits of pistachios for metabolic disorders. However, they emphasize that the direct link between pistachio consumption and diabetes prevention still needs to be confirmed in further scientific studies.