The more we learn about almonds, the more they continue to amaze. Take prebiotics, for instance. Ongoing research hypothesizes that almonds may have a prebiotic effect that can provide benefits supportive of your GI tract in maintaining immunity and overall well-being.

The human gut or gastrointestinal tract (GI) plays a key role in promoting overall health, with approximately 80% of immunity starting there.¹ It’s also where prebiotics and probiotics come into play. Prebiotics are non-digestible food substances that act as food for “good” bacteria in the GI tract while probiotics are friendly bacteria that feed on fiber, fat, and other nutrients.^2,3

So what’s all this about “good” bacteria? There are both “good” and “bad” bacteria in the GI tract and the human body is in a constant balancing act, trying to ensure that there are perfect amounts of each.² Prebiotics are crucial in this process because they provide energy for some of the friendly bacteria needed for a healthy gut.

And while almonds have not yet been proven to have a prebiotic effect, this is just one more reason to bring more of them into your daily routine. Because when your body functions better, you feel better. And that’s the most important thing.

The Word on Fiber
While more research is still needed to explore almonds and gut health, it has already established the important role of fiber in maintaining a healthy digestive tract by helping with regularity. Just one ounce of California Almonds provides 3 grams of fiber, which is 12% of the recommended Daily Value. It’s just one more reason to make sure you always have a handful on hand. Whenever. Wherever.⁴

Click here to download more information on almonds and prebiotics.

1. Rosenbaum, M. Digestion & Immunity. Revolution Health Access at http://www.revolutionhealth.com/conditions/digestive/digestive-health/health-basics/digestion-immunity  Oct 13, 2008.