Their low sugar content and high fiber content make almonds a low glycemic index food (meaning that their consumption does not increase the amount of blood glucose or blood sugar much). “They even help reduce the glycemic index of a meal,” says our nutrition expert. This quality benefits all diabetics. But almonds may have other benefits: 16 studies to date have been conducted on almond consumption and insulin resistance. They conclude that they reduce insulin resistance and blood levels of glycated hemoglobin (hemoglobin linked to sugar and therefore a marker of blood sugar). A study published in 2010 demonstrated that regular consumption of almonds could increase insulin sensitivity in subjects suffering from prediabetes. Another more recent study attests that eating almonds at breakfast helps stabilize blood glucose levels for a good part of the day.
4 – ALMOND PROTECTS AGAINST CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES
According to a 2015 study by a team of researchers from the Life Science research organization in Bethesda, USA, eating nuts reduces cholesterol levels, especially “bad cholesterol.” Eating almonds, in particular, is said to be particularly effective in reducing the risk of heart disease. But how can this be explained? According to the authors of this work, nuts “contain many nutrients: unsaturated fatty acids, proteins, vitamins and minerals”, substances that improve the health of blood vessels and arterial function. These conclusions confirmed a previous study conducted by researchers at Aston University in Great Britain. According to this work, eating almonds regularly could help to smooth blood circulation, reduce blood pressure and therefore minimize the risks of cardiovascular diseases.
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