Not Just For Squirrels: How Nuts Can Help Prevent Diabetes

Not Just For Squirrels: How Nuts Can Help Prevent Diabetes

Taken in small doses they can do wonders.

Peanuts and tree nuts may be banned from your child’s school. With childhood obesity on the rise however, maybe we shouldn’t shun them altogether.

A study done at Pennsylvania State University has found that eating an average of 52 grams of nuts every day can help you protect yourself against developing type 2 diabetes.

Insulin resistance is the precursor to developing type 2 diabetes, and almost half of all those who have it go on to develop the disease, if they don’t change their eating patterns. But with a few wholesome, crunchy snacks in your pack, you could be ahead of the game. 

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The research in this study looked at tree nuts such as cashews, almonds, pecan, pistachios, walnuts, macadamia nuts, pine nuts, Brazil nuts, and hazelnuts. It also considered peanuts, which are technically legumes, but most of us treat them as nuts.

Data pooled from 40 randomized controlled trials looked at blood glucose in 2,832 people as it related to eating nuts.

What are some of the best to buy? Pistachio nuts were found to be one of the most useful.

Nuts can be high in fat, but the benefits of eating them are a true bonus. Grab some on the go, and your need to splurge on a 3 pm cookie may dissipate. You could actually find that your waistline benefits from less sugary snacking late in the day, as your blood glucose levels stay more consistent throughout the day.  

A wide variety of edible nuts exists, with many types to explore. Munch up!

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