Eating walnuts may decrease a person's risk of developing type 2 diabetes, researchers found. Nuts are known as superfoods and have been recommended by doctors, dieticians, and health experts.
Walnuts, The Super Food
Walnuts have been reported to be rich in antioxidants and beneficial for a person's heart and cognitive functions. The study, that was conducted on more than 34,000 people, found that by doubling the consumption of walnuts, it can reduce a person's risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 47 percent.
The researchers of the study asked the participants, between the ages of 18-85 years old, about their dietary intake. The researchers also questioned if the participants were diagnosed with diabetes and if they were currently taking medication for diabetes.
The participants of the study were also assessed for diabetes by common lab measurements including fasting plasma glucose and hemoglobin A1c. The researchers found that the participants that ate walnuts had a lower risk of type 2 diabetes than those who did not eat them. The researchers noted that this was regardless of the participants' age, body mass index (BMI), gender, or the physical activity.
Other Benefits Of Eating Walnuts
Walnuts contain polyunsaturated fat, which is 13 grams per ounce, protein, and fiber. Walnuts are the only nut that contains a substantial amount of ALA, alpha-linolenic acid, a plant-based omega 3 fatty acid.
Previous studies have stated that eating half a cup of walnuts each day can help protect a person's digestive system by increasing the number of probiotic bacteria in the stomach. This can also help prevent the risk of cancer, brain, and heart diseases.
Type 2 Diabetes
In the United States, over 30 million people have diabetes and at least 95 percent have type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is most prevalent in people over the age of 42-years-old but can also be found in younger adults and children. High blood sugar levels are damaging to the body and can lead to several health problems, including heart and kidney disease.
The obesity rate among children is rising which is also leading the rates of type 2 diabetes increasing in children as well. About 75 percent of children who have type 2 diabetes also have a relative who has it as well.
Health experts suggest that managing stress levels, eating healthier food, keeping up with insulin treatments, and engaging in more physical activities can help a person who is living with type 2 diabetes manage the illness.
