It’s possible that some patients with symptoms of depression may experience benefits from consumption of almonds.
In a new study in the journal “Nutrients”, 45 subjects with Type 2 Diabetes were randomized to consume either a traditional low-fat diet or a low-carb diet with a high intake of almonds. After 3 months, the subjects consuming the diet high in almonds were exhibiting less symptoms of depression.
The authors speculate that the benefits may be due to changes in the gut microbiome. After consuming the high almond diet, there was an observable increase in the bacteria Roseburia, Ruminococcus and Eubacterium, which can contribute directly to levels of short chain fatty acid (SCFAs). Additionally, these patients also displayed an increase in GLP-1.
Conclusions
It is difficult to know from this study whether the effects were specifically a result of the almonds or were simply a reflection of a low-carb diet vs low-fat diet. Additionally, it is difficult to know whether these findings would also be evident in subjects without Type 2 Diabetes. Nonetheless, it appears possible that almonds may have an effect on SCFA-producing bacteria, which could potentially lead to favorable effects on symptoms of depression in select individuals.
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