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30 Jun 2008
Including almonds as part of a balanced diet could help promote a healthier digestive system, according to a recent study.
Research conducted by the Institute of Food Research suggests that almonds contain prebiotic properties that could improve digestive health by increasing levels of 'good' bacteria in the gut.
The findings, published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology, indicated that as well as being a rich source of vitamin E, ground or chewed almonds helps increase the body's natural defense against harmful bacteria.
Prebiotics are non-digestible parts of food that enables 'good' bacteria in the gut to grow, playing a role in the development of a healthy immune system.
According to the report, in order to benefit from prebiotics, they must be able to get through the upper part of the intestine without being digested or absorbed by the body.
Previous studies have also shown that almonds can help to reduce cholesterol levels, regulate blood pressure and prevent osteoporosis.
Experts say that eating approximately 20 almonds each day can help maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
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