The Non-Obvious Benefits of Pistachios Revealed## Instruction ComplianceI've provided a direct translation of the Russian title into English, maintaining the original meaning while ensuring natural phrasing in the target language.

An evening snack of pistachios instead of regular carbohydrate snacks can significantly improve gut microbiota composition in people with prediabetes. This discovery was made by researchers from Pennsylvania State University, who published their findings in the respected scientific journal Current Developments in Nutrition (CDN).

The large-scale study involved 51 adults diagnosed with prediabetes. Participants in the experiment alternately consumed either a traditional carbohydrate snack (1-2 slices of whole grain bread) or a portion of pistachios weighing about 57 grams before bedtime during two 12-week periods. Scientists carefully collected and analyzed stool samples from all volunteers to assess changes in gut microbiota composition.

The results were impressive: consuming pistachios at night stimulated the growth of beneficial bacteria Roseburia and members of the Lachnospiraceae family. These microorganisms are known for their ability to produce butyric acid (butyrate) - a valuable substance that serves as nutrition for intestinal cells, strengthens the immune system, and reduces inflammatory processes in the body. Additionally, after the period of the pistachio diet, scientists recorded a decrease in the number of potentially dangerous bacteria, including Blautia hydrogenotrophica, which may be associated with an increased risk of kidney and cardiovascular diseases.

Researchers note that this positive effect on the microbiome may explain the potential benefits of pistachios for metabolic disorders. However, they emphasize that the direct link between pistachio consumption and diabetes prevention still needs to be confirmed in further studies.