Diabetic? Eat Almonds

Consuming a few almonds daily can help combat the lifestyle disease. “It does help in pushing diabetes away,” says Ritesh Gupta, head of clinical operation at Fortis C-Doc Hospital, New Delhi. “It is a healthy source of fiber, protein and calories and has been found to have a positive effect in reducing bad cholesterol and improved insulin sensitivity.” “A handful of almonds contain 164 calories and 7 gm of protein, which helps in fighting hunger pangs and helps you control what you eat. Almonds also help growing children in developing strong bones.” In a recent study at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, and Loma Linda University of California, they showed that almonds can help control diabetes if consumed regularly. “A diet consisting of 20% of calories as almonds over a 16-week period is effective in improving markers of insulin sensitivity and yields clinically significant improvements in LDL-C in adults with pre-diabetes,” the study said. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, April 2011