Almonds are a nutrient-rich food that has been associated with several health benefits, including improved heart health and lower cholesterol levels. A recent study published in the journal Nutrients suggests that eating almonds daily could also improve diabetes risk factors.
The study included 72 adults with prediabetes who were randomly assigned to two different groups. The first group consumed 45 grams of almonds daily for 12 weeks, while the second group did not consume almonds. At the end of the study period, the researchers found that the group consuming almonds had significantly improved their diabetes risk factors compared to the control group.
Specifically, the group consuming almonds had lower fasting glucose levels, lower insulin resistance, and lower levels of certain markers of inflammation. These findings suggest that consuming almonds daily could help prevent the development of type 2 diabetes in people with prediabetes.
Almonds are a better source of healthy fats, protein, fiber, and several vitamins and minerals. They’ve a low glycemic indicator, which means they don’t beget a rapid-fire rise in blood sugar levels. This may be one of the reasons why consuming almonds could improve diabetes risk factors.
Still, it’s important to note that this was a small study, and further exploration is demanded to confirm these findings. Additionally, almonds are high in calories, so it is important to consume them in moderation as part of a balanced diet. People with nut allergies should also avoid consuming almonds.
A recent study has shown that eating almonds daily can have a positive impact on diabetes risk factors. The study, led by Dr. Viswanathan Mohan, president and chief of diabetes research at the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation in India, involved 352 Asian Indian adults with overweight Ph.D. obesity. Participants were randomly assithe gned to either an almond treatment group or a control group.
According to a study led by Dr. Viswanathan Mohan of Madras Diabetes Research Foundation in Chennai, India, switching from high-calorie snacks to almonds can help manage weight and reduce the burden of diabetes. The study found that almond eaters had improved beta cell function in their pancreas, which could delay the onset of diabetes, especially in people with prediabetes. Dr. Mohan described the issue as complex, but they believe that the solution is simple.
Gayathri Rajagopal, a PhD scholar at the University of Madras and first author of the study, stated that those who consumed almonds exhibited improved beta cell function. Beta cells in the pancreas create insulin, which is critical for people with prediabetes, and this indicates that regular consumption of almonds may delay the onset of diabetes.
Over the course of 12 weeks, those in the almond treatment group consumed 43 grams (1.5 ounces) of raw almonds daily. The results showed that these participants experienced significant improvements in various diabetes risk factors, including reduced insulin resistance, improved pancreatic function, and better control of blood glucose levels. Additionally, the almond group achieved significant reductions in body weight, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference, and lowered their total cholesterol levels.
The study also found that almond consumers had better levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides, which are important markers for managing obesity and diabetes. Furthermore, the study showed improvements in the function of beta cells in the pancreas, which are responsible for producing insulin. This suggests that regular almond consumption could delay the onset of diabetes in people with prediabetes.
The benefits of almonds also extend to cardiovascular health, as they provide a healthy source of plant protein, monounsaturated fat, and dietary fiber. A one-ounce (28-gram) serving of almonds provides 4 grams of fiber and 15 essential nutrients, including magnesium, potassium, and Vitamin E.
The study highlights the potential for a simple dietary intervention, such as adding almonds to the daily diet, to have a profound impact on health. It is important to note that the study was conducted on Asian Indian adults with overweight and obesity, so the findings may not necessarily generalize to other populations. Nonetheless, almonds are a nutrient-rich snack that can help manage diabetes and promote heart health.
