Eating almonds twice a day can improve blood sugar and cholesterol levels

Benefits of Eating Almonds. Know more…

Friday, 9th July 2021

In the past 40 years, the number of people with diabetes worldwide has quadrupled, and this upward trend is particularly evident in India. In fact, Indians have the highest rate of developing type 2 diabetes from pre-diabetes each year (about 1,418%), and lifestyle interventions are needed to help reverse this trend. When it comes to snack options, almonds are a simple and delicious eating strategy. A new study shows that almond snacks can help improve glucose metabolism in adolescents and young adults with prediabetes in India.

This randomized controlled clinical trial aims to determine the effects of almond consumption on metabolic dysfunction factors in adolescents and young adults (16 to 25 years old) with prediabetes, including blood glucose, blood lipids, insulin, and selected inflammation markers. Lives in Mumbai, India.

The study was a randomized parallel trial involving 275 participants (59 men, 216 women) with impaired glucose metabolism (prediabetes). At the beginning of the study, participants measured weight, height, waist, and hip circumference, and collected fasting blood samples. The participants also underwent a glucose tolerance test and had their blood lipid status assessed.

Throughout the study period, participants were monitored to ensure that they were complying with snacks. At the end of the study, the participants completed the dietary intake assessment and took the same measurements and blood tests again.

In the almond group, compared to the control group, HbA1c (a measure of long-term blood sugar control and which can also be used as a diagnostic criterion for prediabetes and diabetes) was significantly higher lower than that of the control group. Improving blood sugar levels in the prediabetes stage can help prevent or delay the development of diabetes. Also, compared to the control group, consuming almonds can significantly lower total cholesterol and "bad" LDL cholesterol, while maintaining "good" HDL cholesterol levels.

From baseline to post-intervention, there were no changes in body weight, height, waist or hip circumference, or biochemical markers, or macronutrient intake between the almond group and the control group. Inflammation markers (TNFα and IL6) decreased in the almond group and increased in the control group, but this was not a statistically significant result. Compared with the almond group after the intervention, the fasting blood glucose level of the control group was significantly lower. In the almond group, the GFR: FI (fasting blood glucose: fasting insulin) ratio decreased, while it increased in the control group, but was not statistically significant.

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Lifestyle changes, including better nutrition and exercise for adolescents and young adults, can prevent the progression from prediabetes to type 2 diabetes. The results of this study show that this change is not necessarily significant; just eating almond snacks twice a day can make a difference. The study results are very promising in showing how almonds can increase total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and lower HbA1c levels in just 12 weeks, "said lead researcher Dr. Jagmeet Madan, Professor, and President of the Vithaldis Thackersey School of Family Sciences (Autonomous University), SNDT Women's University (Mumbai).

Study limitations include the inability to blind participants. Furthermore, nutritional intervention studies can also trigger behavioral changes in both groups because participants are aware of their risks during the recruitment process. More research is needed to investigate the impact of almond consumption on the same measures in other age groups and different races.

This study is in addition to another study investigating the potential effects of almond consumption on young people. Researchers at the University of California Merced in a study funded by the California Almond Commission showed that for college students who skip breakfast, eating almond snacks in the morning can be a good choice. Among freshmen who mainly skipped breakfast (73 men and women, aged 18-19 years), breakfast including almonds or graham crackers lowered total cholesterol and improved fasting blood glucose levels, but almonds The benefits are even greater. In the 8-week study, people who ate almonds were best able to maintain "good" HDL cholesterol levels and improve blood sugar regulation indicators.

Conclusion

Almonds have a risk of diabetes in just 12 weeks by reducing HbA1c levels in Indian adolescents and young adults, thereby affecting glucose metabolism. When used as a snack, almonds also help control dyslipidemia by lowering total cholesterol and "bad" LDL cholesterol, while maintaining "good" HDL cholesterol levels. Almonds can be a nutritious snack that can replace the usual snack options and can be used as part of a food-based strategy to help prevent or delay the development of diabetes, especially in young people.

The News Talkie Bureau

Source:

India.com