Why Almonds Are Good for Your Heart
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When I recommend healthy food choices to people who are taking active steps towards good health, raw unsalted nuts is always on the shopping list.
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- Why Almonds Are Good for Your Heart
When I recommend healthy food choices to people who are taking active steps towards good health, raw unsalted nuts is always on the shopping list. Nuts are a great source of vitamins, minerals and healthy fats – and, they’re great to have on hand when the 3pm chocolate craving kicks in.
Almonds are an especially good choice as they contain magnesium, vitamin E, monounsaturated fatty acids and antioxidant polyphenols.
And new research suggests that almonds in particular may be great for heart health in adults with prediabetes.
Prediabetes is a precursor to type 2 diabetes, and in the U.S. alone, fifty percent of patients with prediabetes will progress to type 2 diabetes if they don’t make significant changes to their diet and lifestyle.
The objective of the study, published in The Journal of the American College of Nutrition, was to assess whether or not an almond-enriched American Diabetes Association (ADA) diet improves insulin sensitivity and other risk factors for heart disease in adults with prediabetes.
Sixty five participants were split into two groups: one group ate an almond-enriched diet, while the other group ate a nut-free diet. The group that ate the almonds showed greater reductions in insulin and lower levels of LDL-cholesterol (more commonly known as the “bad” cholesterol).
According to Diabetes Australia, up to 60% of cases of type 2 diabetes can be prevented.
If you are concerned about your heart health you can see your healthcare professional or chat to a Blackmores naturopath for free.
Almond Consumption and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Adults with Prediabetes. J Am Coll Nutr. Wien et al. J Am Coll Nutr.2010; 29: 189-197
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