Gut bacteria release ferulic acid from sprouted quinoa to reduce obesity-linked thinking problems by boosting waste removal in memory areas of the brain

Germinated quinoa (GQF) alleviates high-fat diet-induced cognitive impairment and restores gut microbial diversity more effectively than native quinoa (QF).

• GQF is associated with increased abundance of the gut bacteria Roseburia.
• Enhanced profiles of carbohydrate-active enzyme (CAZyme) genes, particularly those encoding feruloyl esterase (FAE), are observed with GQF consumption.
• GQF promotes the growth of FAE-harboring Roseburia hominis and R. intestinalis, which help release bound ferulic acid from GQF.
• Liberated ferulic acid may support neuronal growth and synaptic plasticity through activation of specific mitochondrial processes in the hippocampus.
• The findings indicate that specific gut microbes play a crucial role in maximizing the health benefits of GQF.

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