Eating Some Nuts May Lower Diabetes Risk

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Eating Some Nuts May Lower Diabetes Risk

 

 

http://www.mercola.com/2002/dec/11/nuts.htm

 

Eating Some Nuts May Lower Diabetes Risk

 

 

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The risk of type 2 diabetes, the most common form often linked

to obesity, may be lowered by eating nuts occasionally, according to a recent

study.

 

In a study of 84,000 female nurses in the U.S., women who ate

about 5 ounces of nuts a week had a 27 percent lower risk of developing diabetes

than those who rarely or never ate nuts. In women who ate 1 to 4 ounces of nuts

a week, the risk was 16 percent lower, and for those who ate less than 1 ounce

per week the risk was eight percent lower.

 

Researchers believe that unsaturated fats in nuts may allow

the body to use insulin more effectively and regulate blood glucose, though

further research is needed to confirm the study’s results.

 

Since nuts are high in fat, they should act as a substitute

for other foods, such as meats or grain products, to avoid weight gain.

Researchers note that weight gain can raise the risk of type 2 diabetes and

heart disease.

 

The study found a tendency among women who consumed more nuts

to weigh and smoke less and be more active than women who ate fewer nuts.

However, the association between nuts and diabetes risk remained even when

factors such as body mass index (BMI), smoking and alcohol intake were removed.

 

JAMA November 26, 2002;288:2554-2560

 

 

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DR. MERCOLA'S COMMENT:

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Clearly this study points out the value of whole foods such as

nuts. However, I suspect most of the benefit in this study resulted from the

profound deficiencies of omega-3 fats that most people have.

 

The beneficial effects of omega-3 oils are profound indeed.

Omega-3 fat is the ONLY supplement that even the conservative American Heart

Association recommends.

 

Even the marginal amounts of omega-3 fat, ALA, in some of the

nuts, especially walnuts, were likely helpful in producing the benefits.

 

However, generally most ALA is not converted to EPA and DHA,

the longer chain omega-3 fats that have far more of the benefits of the omega-3

oils. The optimization of the omega 6:3 ratio is probably one of the key ways in

which these fats induce beneficial effects.

 

At this time of year it makes sense to obtain most of your

omega-3 from cod liver oil because you will also get some vitamin D and vitamin

A. It is important to use a high quality oil to ensure that it has been purified

of mercury and other toxins. I recommend Carlson’s brand cod liver oil and fish

oil as it conforms to some of the strictest purity guidelines. If you can’t find

it in your local health food store we have it in our online store.

 

One reason to be especially cautious of nuts, however, is that

they clearly can contribute to weight gain. For more details, please read my

recent comments below.

 

Related Articles:

 

Adding Nuts to Diet Could Help Lower Heart Risks

 

Nuts Fuel Weight Gain

 

Cardiovascular Benefits of Omega-3 Fats

 

Prevention of Cardiac Arrhythmias by Omega-3 Fats

 

 

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