Replacing your favourite carb-heavy bedtime snack with a handful of pistachios could significantly modify gut bacteria in people with prediabetes, new findings suggest.
Scientists at Penn State University have shown that consuming approximately two ounces of pistachios every night for twelve weeks led to notable shifts in intestinal microbiome profiles.
The clinical trial revealed increases in beneficial microorganisms, such as Roseburia, while simultaneously decreasing potentially harmful bacteria.
Additionally, the alterations in gut flora composition may support metabolic health and could potentially slow down the development of type 2 diabetes.
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|Two ounces of pistachios as a bedtime snack has been recommended
Nevertheless, the study's authors emphasised that further studies were required to establish definitive health outcomes.
The investigation involved 51 adults diagnosed with prediabetes who participated in two separate twelve-week periods with an intervening break to prevent overlap effects.
Each participant experienced both dietary interventions in randomised sequence during this crossover trial.
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Scientists analysed faecal samples using sequencing technology to identify and categorise bacterial populations based on genetic characteristics.
The subsequent results revealed that participants consuming pistachios developed markedly different intestinal microbial communities compared to those following standard dietary guidance of 15 to 30 grams of carbohydrates before bed.
"A common dietary recommendation for individuals with prediabetes is to consume a night-time snack consisting of 15 to 30 grams of carbohydrates to help regulate overnight and morning blood glucose levels," the study's principal author Terrence Riley explained.
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|"Pistachios seem to be able to meaningfully shift the gut microbial landscape in adults with prediabetes especially when consumed as a night-time snack," Petersen added.
"These microbiome changes may offer other long-term health benefits -- potentially helping to slow the development of type 2 diabetes or to reduce systemic inflammation -- which we hope to explore in future research."
Before making any major amendment to your lifestyle, including your diet, it's best to consult your GP or an equivalent medical professional to make sure it's the best decision for your health.