By Edward Griss
It is estimated that 24 million people in the United States have diabetes. From that count there are a possible 6 million that have not yet been diagnosed. Recent research has found that adding almonds to diet can help prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes which is the most prevalent type of this disease, accounting for up to 95% of all cases.
Diabetics either have an inability to use the hormone that allows glucose to be turned into energy or a decreased amount of insulin. When blood sugar levels are left uncontrolled, vital organs can be severely damaged. Studies have shown that one of the benefits of adding almonds to a diet is that the disease could actually be prevented.
During a study which was conducted at the University of Medicine and Dentistry in New Jersey, 65 adults with pre-diabetes, the condition where blood glucose levels are high but not enough to be diagnosed with the disease, found that eating an almond enriched diet dramatically improved their insulin sensitivity compared to the control group who ate no almonds.
Having pre-diabetes raises the risk for developing Type 2 Diabetes, heart disease and stroke. There are two tests and two different sets of numbers to determine whether one is a pre-diabetic. The IFG level is 100-125mg. IGT levels would be 140-199mg. IFG is an overnight fast while IGT is a two hour test.
The really good news is that there is a lot that can be done to delay and prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes. Studies have shown that a patient can lower their risk just by losing 7 percent of their body weight through physical activity and diet. Almonds are beneficial in both of these pursuits. This delicious and nutritious super food can also send bad cholesterol numbers falling and gives protection against cardiovascular disease while helping to prevent weight gain and obesity.
The European Journal of Clinical Nutrition published another study that following a diet that includes almonds not only lowers blood LDL level, but also lowers C-reactive protein levels, a key marker with the inflammation of blood vessels. This inflammation can lead to clogged arteries making the heart pump faster. The C-reactive proteins dropped 24 percent, an amount equal to the reduction achieved by taking statin drugs without the debilitating side effects.
A different study reported in the Journal of Nutrition found that after eating a meal with almonds, blood samples taken directly after the meal showed lower blood sugar and insulin levels and that the levels of protective antioxidants had increased. So not only are almonds beneficial to warding off diabetes, but they show anti-aging benefits as well.
Here is how the healthy fats in almonds help aid in weight loss. Today's diets are nutritionally very poor and a body that is under nourished constantly craves food. The body will continually send out hunger signals in an attempt to fill that deficiency leading us to eat more nutritionally deficient foods. Eating nuts which have a large vitamin and nutrient density helps break this cycle of steady weight gain through the years.
All these wonderful health benefits can be gained by consuming just a handful of almonds a day. They are delicious and can be eaten in numerous ways! Add them to salads, desserts and protein rich meat dishes and watch how this little super food benefits you.
It is estimated that 24 million people in the United States have diabetes. From that count there are a possible 6 million that have not yet been diagnosed. Recent research has found that adding almonds to diet can help prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes which is the most prevalent type of this disease, accounting for up to 95% of all cases.
Diabetics either have an inability to use the hormone that allows glucose to be turned into energy or a decreased amount of insulin. When blood sugar levels are left uncontrolled, vital organs can be severely damaged. Studies have shown that one of the benefits of adding almonds to a diet is that the disease could actually be prevented.
During a study which was conducted at the University of Medicine and Dentistry in New Jersey, 65 adults with pre-diabetes, the condition where blood glucose levels are high but not enough to be diagnosed with the disease, found that eating an almond enriched diet dramatically improved their insulin sensitivity compared to the control group who ate no almonds.
Having pre-diabetes raises the risk for developing Type 2 Diabetes, heart disease and stroke. There are two tests and two different sets of numbers to determine whether one is a pre-diabetic. The IFG level is 100-125mg. IGT levels would be 140-199mg. IFG is an overnight fast while IGT is a two hour test.
The really good news is that there is a lot that can be done to delay and prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes. Studies have shown that a patient can lower their risk just by losing 7 percent of their body weight through physical activity and diet. Almonds are beneficial in both of these pursuits. This delicious and nutritious super food can also send bad cholesterol numbers falling and gives protection against cardiovascular disease while helping to prevent weight gain and obesity.
The European Journal of Clinical Nutrition published another study that following a diet that includes almonds not only lowers blood LDL level, but also lowers C-reactive protein levels, a key marker with the inflammation of blood vessels. This inflammation can lead to clogged arteries making the heart pump faster. The C-reactive proteins dropped 24 percent, an amount equal to the reduction achieved by taking statin drugs without the debilitating side effects.
A different study reported in the Journal of Nutrition found that after eating a meal with almonds, blood samples taken directly after the meal showed lower blood sugar and insulin levels and that the levels of protective antioxidants had increased. So not only are almonds beneficial to warding off diabetes, but they show anti-aging benefits as well.
Here is how the healthy fats in almonds help aid in weight loss. Today's diets are nutritionally very poor and a body that is under nourished constantly craves food. The body will continually send out hunger signals in an attempt to fill that deficiency leading us to eat more nutritionally deficient foods. Eating nuts which have a large vitamin and nutrient density helps break this cycle of steady weight gain through the years.
All these wonderful health benefits can be gained by consuming just a handful of almonds a day. They are delicious and can be eaten in numerous ways! Add them to salads, desserts and protein rich meat dishes and watch how this little super food benefits you.
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