Consumption of the nuts may also be linked to the augmentation of beneficial bacteria
In a recent study published in the Journal of Nutrition, researchers evaluated the effect of consuming cashews and Brazil nuts on potentially beneficial bacteria and pathways associated with body fat reduction.
A total of 40 overweight or obese women were enrolled in this eight-week randomized controlled trial. Participants were assigned to one of two energy-restricted groups (−500 kcal/d). The intervention group ate 30 grams of cashews and 15 grams of Brazil nuts per day, while the control group did not consume nuts.
Both groups lost weight without statistical differences. Lactulose excretion increased only in the control group. The nut group had higher levels of fecal propionic acid and potentially beneficial bacteria as compared to the control group. Changes in intestinal permeability were correlated to a greater reduction in body fat and increases in Ruminococcus abundance.
The researchers concluded that consuming cashews and Brazil nuts may have a positive impact within an energy-restricted context and may be linked to the augmentation of potentially beneficial bacteria and pathways associated with body fat reduction.
Kelly Souza Silveira, B., Mayumi Usuda Prado Rocha, D., Stampini Duarte Martino, H., Grancieri, M., Juste Contin Gomes, M., Cuquetto Mantovani, H., Bressan, J., & Hermana Miranda Hermsdorff, H. (2024). Daily Cashew and Brazil Nut Consumption Modifies Intestinal Health in Overweight Women on Energy-Restricted Intervention: A Randomized Controlled Trial (Brazilian Nuts Study). The Journal of Nutrition, S0022-3166(23)72811-3. Advance online publication.