The study led by Viswanathan Mohan and published in the Journal of Nutrition is significant in the field of nutrition and health because it sheds light on the potential benefits of adding almonds to one’s diet. The study was conducted on Asian Indian adults with overweight and obesity living in Chennai City, India, where both excess body weight and diabetes are major health concerns.
The study found that consuming 43 g (1.5 ounces) of raw almonds daily for 12 weeks can reduce insulin resistance, improve pancreatic function, and help control blood glucose levels. These findings are important because insulin resistance is a key factor in the development of type 2 diabetes, and controlling blood glucose levels is critical in managing the disease.
Moreover, the almond treatment group in the study achieved significant reductions in body weight, BMI, and waist circumference over the intervention period, suggesting that adding almonds to one’s diet can help with weight management. Additionally, participants in the almond intervention group had better levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides, which are important markers for managing obesity and diabetes.
Dr Mohan, said “Our almond consumers had improvements to both body weight and blood sugar,” and added “Obesity is a health problem seen around the world, and we know obesity raises the risk of chronic diseases, like type 2 diabetes. We also know this is a complex problem, tightly interwoven with diabetes, and we think we’ve identified a rather simple solution. It turns out, asking people to enjoy almonds instead of other snacks can help them manage weight and reduce the burden of diabetes.”
Gayathri Rajagopal, PhD scholar, University of Madras, first author on the study’s paper said . “Our almond eaters demonstrated enhanced function of their beta cells, which are the cells in the pancreas that make insulin. This is substantial for people with prediabetes and suggests the potential for regular almond consumption to delay onset of diabetes. Besides that, we know almonds increase satiety making them a healthy snack for people predisposed to type 2 diabetes.”
Furthermore, the study found that consuming almonds led to better glycemic responses, which is important for managing blood glucose levels. The almond intervention group also consumed fewer carbohydrates and increased their intake of protein, monounsaturated fat, and dietary fiber. These changes in dietary intake could contribute to the improvements in health observed in the study.
The study employed a randomized controlled design, which adds to its credibility. However, it is important to note that the findings may only generalize to Asian Indian adults with overweight and obesity. Nonetheless, the study’s results provide valuable insights into the potential benefits of adding almonds to one’s diet, especially for those struggling with excess body weight and diabetes.
In conclusion, almonds are a nutrient-rich snack that can offer numerous health benefits, including managing diabetes, promoting heart health, and aiding in weight management. With the prevalence of obesity and diabetes increasing around the world, the findings of this study suggest that adding almonds to one’s diet could make a profound difference in improving health.
