Nuts protect against type 2 diabetes: Miracle diet staple 'reduces risk' of condition

By Olivia Lerche

EATING nuts everyday could reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by nearly 40 per cent, breakthrough research has revealed.
Experts have revealed just a 1oz portion is enough to slash the risk of developing the potentially dangerous condition, which is linked to limb amputation, kidney failure and blindness.
Almonds, macadamias, pistachios, walnuts and cashews all have properties to protect against type 2 diabetes while raising levels of good cholesterol and reducing inflammation, experts have said.
A study in the journal Diabetes Care previously revealed nuts have benefits for both blood glucose control and blood lipids and may be used to improve diabetes control without weight gain.
Dr David Jenkins, from the University of Toronto Department of Nutritional Sciences said: “The study indicates that nuts can provide a specific food option for people with Type 2 diabetes wishing to reduce their carbohydrate intake."

A study reported in BMC Medicine analysed the medical records of  800,000 people. The figures revealed that eating at least 20g - the equivalent of a handful - of nuts a day can also reduce risk of heart disease by 30 per cent, cancer by 15 per cent and half the deaths from respiratory disease such as lung disease.
"Even though nuts are quite high in fat they are also high in fibre and protein and there is some evidence that suggests nuts might actually reduce your risk of obesity over time," said Dagfinn Aune, co-author of the study, from Imperial College London.
“In nutritional studies so far much of the research has been on the big killers such as heart disease, stroke and cancer, but now we’re starting to see data for other diseases.”
“We found a consistent reduction in risk across many different diseases.
“It's quite a substantial effect for such a small amount of food."
Nuts are considered a superfood because they posses anti-inflammatory qualities and are also high in protein and fibre.
Juliette Bryant, author and nutritionist said: “Since prehistoric times nuts have been widely eaten as a storable source of essential fats and protein.
“In recent years some people have avoided these amazing foods due to the fear that their fat content will increase weight.
“If eaten roasted and salted the delicate fats can actually be changed into something harmful, and lead to storage of fat in the body.
“However, if eaten raw the body easily processes the essential fats, which support overall health.”
The research published in BMC Medicine, provided by Imperial and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology found eating nuts could also reduce cancer risk.
“Some nuts, particularly walnuts and pecan nuts, are also high in antioxidants which can fight oxidative stress and possibly reduce cancer risk.
"Even though nuts are quite high in fat they are also high in fibre and protein and there is some evidence that suggests nuts might actually reduce your risk of obesity over time.”
There was little evidence more than 1oz of nuts a day provided significant health benefits.

Dr Aseem Malhotra, cardiologist, said the analysis confirms the positive health impact of regular nut consumption.
"Their mechanism of benefit appears to be through anti-inflammatory properties,” he added.
“It’s time doctors started prescribing nuts to patients which will not only help prevent heart attacks and deaths within a short space of time but combined with other lifestyle interventions would save the NHS billions.”
The findings come after a separate study showed walnuts helped stave off heart disease by reducing levels of bad cholesterol.

http://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/750110/nuts-reduce-risk-diabetes-type-2