TREE NUT CONSUMPTION: PREVENTION OF DIABETES
Thus regular consumption of tree nuts appears to be associated with a certain level of protection against this pathology. The mechanisms by which tree nuts may provide this protection are not yet clear, for which reason further research studies are needed in order to establish clear connections and find out more about such mechanisms. Studies have also been conducted to ascertain whether tree nut consumption by diabetics could have any negative effects on the proper control of their illness. This, both diabetics and non-diabetics were assessed for the effect of tree nut consumption on their lipid profile (cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood) and blood sugar control. The results showed that tree nut consumption did not appear to affect sensitivity to insulin in diabetics, as it did not alter their blood glucose figures. Furthermore, the changes in the lipid profile caused in diabetics are similar to those caused in healthy individuals: cholesterol levels are improved, so leading to a reduction in the risk of cardiovascular illness. As diabetics are high-risk individuals, with a greater chance of suffering some kind of vascular accident, it seems worthwhile to reduce the cardiovascular risk in this kind of patient. All the above would seem to indicate that there is no reason not to recommend this type of food to diabetics; on the contrary, consuming it may be associated with positive changes in their cardiovascular risk levels. Nucis (Health and Tree Nuts) Foundation is a non profit organisation born in 1999, headquartered in Spain, which main objectives are the study, investigation and the diffusion of the nutritional and dietetic characteristics of tree nuts, especially of the healthy beneficial effects. Nucis promotes the healthy qualities of almonds, Brazil walnuts, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamias, pecans, pine kernels, pistachios and walnuts. More information in http://www.nucis.org(opens in new window)