A new study has found that eating walnuts may improve heart health by altering the mix of microbes found in the gut.
The study from Texas Tech University used an approach known as metatranscriptomics to study the gene expression of gut microbes.
This technology can monitor how gene expression levels shift in response to various conditions such as dietary changes.
The team found that introducing walnuts into a person’s diet may alter the gut’s mix of microbes in a way that increases the body’s production of the amino acid L-homoarginine.
This amino acid is linked to a lower risk for heart disease. Walnuts are also known to have heart-healthy benefits like lowering cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
The researchers used samples acquired from a controlled-feeding study in which 35 participants with high cardiovascular risk were put on a two-week standard Western diet and then randomly assigned to one of three study diets.
The diets included one that incorporated whole walnuts, one that included the same amount of omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid, or ALA, and polyunsaturated fatty acids as the walnut diet but without walnuts, and one that partially substituted another fatty acid known as oleic acid for the same amount of ALA found in walnuts but without consumption of any walnuts.
The analysis showed higher levels of Gordonibacter bacteria in the gut of participants on the walnut diet.
This bacterium converts the plant polyphenols ellagitannins and ellagic acid into metabolites that allow them to be absorbed by the body.
Participants consuming the walnut diet also showed higher levels of expression for several genes that are involved in important metabolic and biosynthetic pathways, including ones that increase the body’s production of the amino acid L-homoarginine.
Although the findings require more work to confirm, the study suggests that walnuts may have beneficial effects on heart health.
The team says since a lot of people are allergic to nuts, these findings also suggest that other food supplements that boost the endogenous production of homoarginine may also be helpful.
The researchers hope to conduct further studies to better understand the biological mechanisms at work.
Walnuts are edible nuts that are native to Asia but are now grown in many parts of the world, including the United States.
They are a rich source of nutrients, including healthy fats, protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Eating walnuts has been linked to various health benefits, such as improved heart health, better brain function, and a lower risk of certain cancers.
The heart-healthy benefits of walnuts may be due to beneficial changes in the mix of microbes found in our gut, which can increase the body’s production of the amino acid L-homoarginine.
This amino acid deficiency has been linked to a higher risk for heart disease.
What diets are good for the heart
There are several types of heart-healthy diets that have been shown to improve cardiovascular health. Here are a few examples:
Mediterranean Diet: This diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, fish, and olive oil, and low in red meat and unhealthy fats. Studies have shown that the Mediterranean diet can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
DASH Diet: The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products. It is designed to lower blood pressure and improve heart health.
Plant-Based Diet: A plant-based diet is centered around fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. This diet is low in saturated and trans fats and high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, which can help lower the risk of heart disease.
Low-Sodium Diet: A low-sodium diet limits the amount of sodium in the diet, which can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Low-Fat Diet: A low-fat diet is designed to reduce the intake of unhealthy fats, such as saturated and trans fats, which can raise cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease.
It is important to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian to determine which diet is best for your individual needs and health goals.
If you care about heart health, please read studies about how eating eggs can help reduce heart disease risk, and herbal supplements could harm your heart rhythm.
For more information about health, please see recent studies that olive oil may help you live longer, and vitamin D could help lower the risk of autoimmune diseases.
The study was conducted by Kristina S. Petersen et al and presented at Discover BMB.
Copyright © 2023 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
