Consuming prunes might enhance the intestine microbiome in postmenopausal girls

New analysis printed within the journal Meals & Operate signifies that each day prune consumption might enhance the intestine fecal microbiome of postmenopausal girls. The fecal microbiome—the ecosystem of microorganisms present in one’s fecal matter—displays a person’s general intestine well being. Outcomes from the examine confirmed notable enrichment in micro organism from the household Lachnospiraceae. This group of micro organism has been related to a capability to lower inflammatory markers within the physique and assist preserve the integrity of the intestine barrier.

The objective of this examine was to characterize the impact of prune supplementation on the intestine microbiome of postmenopausal girls. Menopause is marked by a decline in ovarian hormones, which can negatively impression the intestine microbiome. In flip, these modifications within the intestine microbiome probably contribute to well being dangers, together with elevated physique fats, decreased metabolism, and insulin resistance.

“Earlier analysis has proven that postmenopausal girls expertise well being advantages from consuming prunes,” says examine creator Mary Jane De Souza, Ph.D., FACSM, Distinguished Professor, Pennsylvania State College. “It’s probably that the intestine microbiome helps facilitate these advantages. With that, we needed to look extra carefully on the particular results that prune consumption has on populations of intestine microorganisms in postmenopausal girls.”

The randomized managed trial included 143 postmenopausal girls between the ages of 55 and 75. Members have been assigned to one in every of three therapy teams: no prunes (n=52), 50g prunes per day (n=54), or 100g prunes day (n=37). Outcomes collected on the 12-month mark indicated vital modifications within the microbiomes for these within the prune therapy teams—most notably, the enrichment of the Lachnospiraceae household of micro organism. Researchers recommend that these outcomes might have implications for the usage of prunes as a non-pharmacological complete meals intervention for intestine well being.

“Shoppers have gotten extra involved with their intestine well being and this examine helps prunes’ long-standing fame as a gut-healthy meals. Prunes are a pure, complete meals that’s simple and handy for customers to include into their each day meals or snacks,” says Andrea N. Giancoli, MPH, RD, Vitamin Advisor to the California Prune Board.

This new examine provides to the rising physique of analysis that explores the connection between prune consumption, intestine well being, and the potential favorable results on different main physique techniques. As an example, a not too long ago printed scientific assessment from Pennsylvania State College means that the phenolic compounds and dietary fiber content material in prunes might alter the intestine microbiome in a fashion that in the end helps bone well being.

The findings are printed within the journal Meals & Operate.

Offered by
The California Prune Board