The Beneficial Effect of a Common Product on Gut Microflora Revealed 0 9

Prunes do not reduce the formation of colon tumors, but they significantly alter the gut microflora in a favorable direction. This conclusion is drawn by researchers who studied the effect of dried plums on rats with chemically induced risks of intestinal tumors. The results are published in the journal Food & Function (F&F).

In the experiment, animals were fed a diet containing 5% or 10% prunes or a control diet without them for 32 weeks. The number and size of tumors in the colon ultimately do not differ; however, the group with a higher prune content in their diet shows a trend towards fewer tumors in the small intestine.

At the same time, prunes enhance fermentation in the gut and increase bacterial diversity. Notably, the number of microorganisms associated with the production of short-chain fatty acids, including butyrate, significantly increases. Concurrently, the overall level of these compounds, which are considered important for gut health, also rises.

The authors emphasize that prunes do not demonstrate a direct anti-tumor effect in the colon. However, the pronounced changes in the composition of the microbiota and the increase in beneficial metabolites suggest that this product may still be beneficial for the gut.