Eating almonds could prevent diabetes

Researchers have found that eating almonds may help prevent type 2 diabetes and heart disease

Researchers have found that eating almonds may help prevent type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Type 2 diabetes usually develops in adults and is caused by high blood sugar levels. It accounts for 90% of all cases of diabetes and is become increasingly common as a result of our high-sugar diets - with 55 million people in Europe have been diagnosed with the disease.

But the humble almond may be able to stem the tide, according to scientists.

A study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition found that eating an almond-rich diet for 16 weeks actually reduced blood-levels of cholesterol and sensitivity to insulin.

The nuts are high in fat, but most of this is unsaturated with 13 grams of unsaturated fat and four grams of fibre per ounce.

The study’s lead researcher, Dr Michelle Wien, concluded that changes in our diets, such as eating more almonds and other heart-healthy foods, 'may help to improve factors that play a potential role in the disease development'.

So stock up on your almond stash for the new year and make nibbling on the good-health nuts the one resolution you stick to!

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