India has about 50.8 million diabetic populations, the largest in the world. Experts say consuming few almonds daily can help combat the lifestyle disease.
Ritesh Gupta, head of clinical at Fortis says, “Eating almonds can lower the LDL (bad) cholesterol and also improves insulin sensitivity. It is a healthy source of fibre, protein and calories”.
Diabetes is caused when there is deficiency of insulin hormone, which controls blood sugar level. Its symptoms include fatigue, excessive thirst and frequent urination.
World Health Organisation (WHO) has announced that India has the largest diabetic population in the world, followed by china with 43.2 million. The number in India is expected to go up to 87 million by 2030.
Indians are more prone to lifestyle diseases, due to their food habits. Almond should be our part of our diet since it pushes these diseases away. A handful of almonds contain 164 calories and 7gm of protein. Almonds also help in developing strong bones for children.
A study done by scholars from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, West Chester University, Pennsylvania, and Loma Linda University of California, all in the US, and published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition also confirms that the nut can control diabetes if consumed regularly.
"A diet consisting of 20 per cent 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 (low density lipoprotein cholesterol) in adults with pre-diabetes," the study said.
"We have made great strides in chronic disease research, from evidence of effective treatment to evidence of effective prevention," said Michelle Wien, assistant research professor in nutrition at Loma Linda University's School of Public Health.
She was also the principal investigator for the study, which was conducted at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.
"It's also very easy to consume, one can have it any time, so it merges well with the hectic lifestyle," Lapsley said.
Gupta, however, adds that indiscreet consumption of almonds alone will not help and it should be seen as a percentage of total calorie intakes.
"It is not that one can eat anything and pop five almonds. It has to be seen as a percentage of total calorie intakes. The rest of the diet is as important," he added.
A study done by scholars from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, West Chester University, Pennsylvania, and Loma Linda University of California, all in the US, and published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition also confirms that the nut can control diabetes if consumed regularly.
"A diet consisting of 20 per cent 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 (low density lipoprotein cholesterol) in adults with pre-diabetes," the study said.
"We have made great strides in chronic disease research, from evidence of effective treatment to evidence of effective prevention," said Michelle Wien, assistant research professor in nutrition at Loma Linda University's School of Public Health.
She was also the principal investigator for the study, which was conducted at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.
"It's also very easy to consume, one can have it any time, so it merges well with the hectic lifestyle," Lapsley said.
Gupta, however, adds that indiscreet consumption of almonds alone will not help and it should be seen as a percentage of total calorie intakes.
"It is not that one can eat anything and pop five almonds. It has to be seen as a percentage of total calorie intakes. The rest of the diet is as important," he added.
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.
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