Almonds may curb Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease

MODESTO, Calif. — A recent scientific study showed that incorporating almonds into a person’s diet can help treat and possibly prevent Type 2 diabetes, as well as cardiovascular disease, the Almond Board of California announced Wednesday.

The study, published in the June 2010 Journal of the American College of Nutrition illustrated that consuming a diet rich in almonds may help improve insulin sensitivity and decrease LDL-cholesterol levels in those with pre-diabetes.

"We have made great strides in chronic disease research, from evidence of effective treatment to evidence of effective prevention," stated Michelle Wien, assistant research professor in nutrition at Loma Linda University's School of Public Health and principal investigator of the study. "It is promising for those with risk factors for chronic diseases — such as Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease — that dietary changes may help to improve factors that play a potential role in the disease development."

The study looked at the effects of consuming an almond-enriched diet as it relates to the progression of Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in adults with pre-diabetes. After 16 weeks of consuming either an almond-enriched or regular diet, both of which were in line with American Diabetes Association recommendations, the group that consumed an almond-enriched diet showed significantly improved LDL cholesterol levels and measures of insulin sensitivity, risk factors for heart disease and Type 2 diabetes.