Go Nuts to lower your risk of heart disease!

Got diabetes? Go nuts to lower your risk of heart disease!

Recent research found that people with type 2 diabetes who ate a handful of tree nuts 5 days per week had a 17% lower risk of cardiovascular disease compared to those who ate less.

Tree nuts, which include walnuts, almonds and pistachios,are full of unsaturated fat, fiber, and minerals which can help control blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol.

In addition to being heart healthy, nuts are a tasty snack for all to enjoy. In fact, nuts are:

1.    A great source of Nutrients

Nuts are high in fat, low in carbs, and filled with nutrients such as vitamin E, magnesium, and selenium

2.    Loaded with Antioxidants

Antioxidants, such as polyphenols, help fight cell damage and protect against “bad” LDL cholesterol

3.    Thought to aid in weight loss

Research has shown that despite being high in calories, the body absorbs about 5% fewer calories from nuts than consumed. The healthy fat and fiber in nuts help promote a feeling of being “full” or a sense of satisfaction, which aids in weight loss.

4.    May reduce inflammation

The amount of certain proteins in our body like C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) can increase inflammation and thus reduce our ability to heal. The inflammation can increase such conditions as arthritis, joint pain and old injuries. Chronic inflammation can lead to increased disease risk. In a study on the Mediterranean diet,people who supplemented with nuts experienced a 35% and 90% decrease in the inflammatory markers CRP and IL-6, respectively.

5.    High in fiber

Fiber promotes a healthy gut,which reduces your risk of diabetes and obesity.

So go nuts (in moderation)! Eating nuts on a regular basis may improve your health in many way, such as reducing diabetes and heart disease risk, cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

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