Link Between Heart Health Benefits Of Walnut And Gut Microbes: New Study Finds
How can walnuts be good for your heart? Now we have found the answer. The goodness of these tasty nuts comes from the gut, according to a recent study done on the topic. Eating walnuts can impact gut microbiota and thereby support your heart health.
The connection between the heart and gut is once again proved by this research. It means healthy eating can lead to a healthy heart! Dive into the news piece to know more about how walnuts can affect your gut and thereby save your heart!
How Walnuts Can Benefit Your Gut Microbiome And Improve Heart Health?
A recent research led by Kristina S. Petersen from Texas Tech University in Lubbock discovered that the heart benefits of walnut might be coming from the gut. The researchers conducted this study by introducing walnuts into a person’s diet and found that it altered the microbes inside the gut.
The consumption of walnut was found to increase the release of an amino acid known as L-homoarginine. This amino acid has been connected with heart health and a deficiency of it can lead to Cardiovascular diseases.
The new research was presented at DiscoverBMB, which is the annual meeting of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. The researchers used metatranscriptomics to analyze gene expressions of microbes inside the gut to understand the effects caused by diet changes.
The current research used samples from a previous study and analyzed the diets of 35 participants for two weeks. From this study, it was found that the group of people who followed a diet enriched with walnuts developed certain compounds that can be heart-friendly.
Along with an increase in the production of amino acid, L-homoarginine, the group of people who consumed walnuts showed higher levels of Gordonibacter bacteria in the gut. This bacterium is known to convert plant polyphenols and ellagic acid into metabolites that can be easily absorbed by the body.
According to the researchers, the consumption of walnuts instigated some beneficial pathways that can lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases. This means eating walnuts daily can lead to the formation of certain antioxidants which can reduce inflammation and heart disease risk.
The current study collected samples from three diet groups which were fed different food items to check the biochemical activity inside the gut. The first group was fed a completely walnut-based diet.
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The second group was asked to consume omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid which is present in walnuts but abstained from eating walnuts. And the third group was supplemented with ALA with oleic acid which is a component in walnuts. At the end of 6-weeks, the researchers collected stool samples and investigated the gut microbiota of these participants.
The analysis led to the finding of higher levels of Gordonibacter bacteria and L-homoarginine, which are beneficial for metabolic pathways.
The current study becomes significant because homoarginine is an essential amino acid that can lower the risk of heart disease. The researchers also found an improvement in the dysbiosis index values in the walnut diet group which is the ratio of bad bacteria to good bacteria.
Many experts opine that walnuts are abundant with omega-3 fatty acids and it can positively affect your cardiovascular health. Regular consumption of walnuts can lower inflammation and balance cholesterol levels. They can also decrease the chance of metabolic syndrome and thereby cardiovascular disease.
Also read: Will Skipping Breakfast Help You Lose Weight? Here’s What Dr. Micheal Mosley Has To Say!
