Research from the University of Barcelona on the gut microbiota has found that daily consumption of peanuts and peanut butter can produce compounds in the gut that help improve memory and reduce stress response, including anxiety and depression, in healthy young adults. Findings from the ARISTOTLE study were published online in the Journal of Functional Foods this September and shared by The Peanut Institute.
The study was conducted to explore what’s known as the gut-brain axis, which is a relatively new area of research that examines the biochemical communication between the gut and brain. The researchers used a novel method to identify phenolic compounds derived from digesting peanuts and peanut butter and how those compounds can promote better brain health.