According to new research findings, consuming a diet rich in almonds could help lower the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Researchers from Loma Linda University in California, found that people who ate a diet containing a lot of almonds experienced a rise in their insulin sensitivity as well as lower levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or bad cholesterol, both common risk factors in the development of type 2 diabetes .
To investigate, researchers studied 65 adults with an average age of 54, all with prediabetes. They randomly divided the participants into two groups; one group consumed a diet that conformed with the American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommendations, which consists of 15-20% calories from protein, 10% total energy from saturated fat, 60-70% from carbohydrate and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and less than 300 mg of cholesterol per day for 16 weeks, excluding all nuts.
The other group consumed the same ADA-recommended diet, but with 20% of the calories from almonds.
After 16 weeks, researchers found that the group that consumed an almond-enriched diet showed significantly improved LDL-cholesterol levels and measures of insulin sensitivity, risk factors for heart disease and type 2 diabetes, compared with the other group.
Researchers say that the results are promising, especially for those with risk factors for chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, because their findings show that dietary changes may help to improve factors that play a potential role in disease development.
Want to learn more about the health benefits of almonds? Click here to read Leslie Beck's Featured Food article on these nutrient dense nuts.
Researchers from Loma Linda University in California, found that people who ate a diet containing a lot of almonds experienced a rise in their insulin sensitivity as well as lower levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or bad cholesterol, both common risk factors in the development of type 2 diabetes .
To investigate, researchers studied 65 adults with an average age of 54, all with prediabetes. They randomly divided the participants into two groups; one group consumed a diet that conformed with the American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommendations, which consists of 15-20% calories from protein, 10% total energy from saturated fat, 60-70% from carbohydrate and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and less than 300 mg of cholesterol per day for 16 weeks, excluding all nuts.
The other group consumed the same ADA-recommended diet, but with 20% of the calories from almonds.
After 16 weeks, researchers found that the group that consumed an almond-enriched diet showed significantly improved LDL-cholesterol levels and measures of insulin sensitivity, risk factors for heart disease and type 2 diabetes, compared with the other group.
Researchers say that the results are promising, especially for those with risk factors for chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, because their findings show that dietary changes may help to improve factors that play a potential role in disease development.
Want to learn more about the health benefits of almonds? Click here to read Leslie Beck's Featured Food article on these nutrient dense nuts.
All research on this web site is the property of Leslie Beck Nutrition Consulting Inc. and is protected by copyright. Keep in mind that research on these matters continues daily and is subject to change. The information presented is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. It is intended to provide ongoing support of your healthy lifestyle practices.