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The type of food we consume in our daily lifestyle influences our gut, research has shown that gut bacteria feeds off food that are rich in fiber. Herbs and spices are high in polyphenols and affects the gut microbiome composition.

A research done recently investigated the effects of peanuts, herbs and spices on the gut microbiome, and it was found the elements increased gut bacteria after just 4-6 weeks of consumption. 

To conduct the study 48 participants with average age 45 were considered, all had obesity and had atleast one other health problem. they had taken the same diet for 4 weeks and 3 doses of spices and herbs: 0.5g per day, 3.3g per day, or 6.6g per day. The participants consumed 3 quantities of herbs and spices for 4 weeks along with 2 weeks of ‘washout’ period to study the differences of health at the start and end of this study. The research proved that after having herbs or spices in the above mentioned propositions did improve the level of the Ruminococcaceae bacteria in their gut.

To understand the importance of peanuts for gut health a study had been conducted on 50 people, some were given peanuts and others different food to eat for 6 weeks along with 4 weeks of ‘washout’ period and the study proved that participants who consumed peanuts had more Roseburia bacteria. Roseburia is linked to losing weight and glucose intolerance. Nuts deliver a good supply of fermentable nutrients like fibre, lipids and polyphenols that enrich gut microbiota.

Penny M. Kris-Etherton, Evan Pugh University Professor of Nutritional Sciences, Penn State  said that “research has shown that people who have a lot of different microbes have better health, and a better diet than those who don’t have much bacterial diversity”

All these case studies and facts do prove that right kind of food like peanuts and herbs can improve gut health and when our gastrointestinal health is good it also helps to fight with other diseases and overall keeps our body and mind healthy.