Eating pistachios every day keeps diabetes away, particularly in high risk people, according to a new research from Spain.
In the study published in Diabetes Care, daily pistachio intake lowered blood sugar levels in people affected with prediabetes.
Prediabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels cross the normal levels, but do not reach a point to be labelled as diabetes. It can increase the risk of several deadly conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, strokes and early death.
As part of the study, 54 prediabetic patients were put on a well-balanced "calorie-regulated diet" for four months. About 50% of the total calories came from carbohydrates, 35% from fat and 15% from proteins, Reuters Health reported.
Half of the people received two ounces (57 grams) of pistachios daily, while the rest took olive oil or other fats.
Pistachio intake was associated with a considerable reduction in fasting blood sugar levels, insulin, hormonal makers of insulin resistance and inflammation.
"Chronic pistachio consumption is emerging as a useful nutritional strategy for the prediabetic state," the authors wrote while concluding their study. "Data suggest that pistachios have a glucose- and insulin-lowering effect, promote a healthier metabolic profile, and reverse certain metabolic deleterious consequences of prediabetes."
Research in the past has provided solid evidence to highlight importance of pistachios in diabetes care.
In a recent study, pistachio consumption helped to lower stress levels, blood pressure and risk of heart disease in diabetic patients.
Prediabetes- How Common is it?
Nearly 280 million people around the world are affected with prediabetes and the number is expected to reach 398 million by 2030, according to a 2012 report from the International Diabetes Federation.
While the reasons that lead to this occurrence continue to remain unclear, there exists enough proof to show the huge role played by genes and excess fats.
How to Prevent Prediabetes: Some Tips
- Follow a balanced diet rich in fruits, whole grains, vegetables. It should be low in fat and calories.
- Remain physically active and try to get at least 30 to 60 minutes of moderate physical activity
- Chinese Herbal Medicine Tianqi
- Fasting for 10 to 12 hours
- Lose weight and maintain a healthy weight
- Stop smoking
