Already prized for their high vitamin E and mineral content, new research indicates that almonds may also have a prebiotic effect in the digestive tract.

The Institute of Food Research recently conducted a study that suggests that almonds may improve digestive health by increasing levels of beneficial gut bacteria.

Researchers used a "model gut" to simulate the conditions of the GI tract and found that almond powder significantly increased levels of certain gut flora. The study was published in the July edition of Applied and Environmental Microbiology.

Read more about the health benefits of almonds at ScienceDaily.

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