Eating Almonds May Improve Brain and Metabolic Health in People With High Blood Sugar: Study

ISLAMABAD: A new medical study has found that regular almond consumption may improve brain function and metabolic health in people with high blood sugar.

Published in The Journal of Nutrition, the study found that participants who consumed almonds performed better on cognitive tests and showed improvements in several measures of metabolic health.

The research involved 60 people aged 40 to 60 who had high blood sugar but had not developed type 2 diabetes. They were divided into two groups, with one group consuming 28 to 40 grams of almonds daily for six months, while the other group avoided almonds.

After six months, researchers assessed the participants through online cognitive tests and analyzed blood samples to monitor blood sugar levels, insulin function, inflammation and cellular stress.

The almond-consuming group demonstrated better cognitive performance, including improved information-processing and response speed. Participants in this group also experienced some reduction in body weight and improved blood-sugar control.

Researchers said the findings suggest that almonds may benefit both brain and metabolic health. They explained that high blood sugar can impair glucose regulation and increase insulin resistance, potentially affecting the body’s ability to provide adequate energy to the brain.

Almonds are rich in fiber, protein, healthy fats, magnesium and antioxidants, which may help regulate blood sugar and reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, according to the researchers.

However, the researchers cautioned that the study had a relatively small sample size, and further research is needed to determine whether similar benefits occur in healthy individuals.

They added that regularly consuming a balanced diet rich in nuts, fruits, vegetables and other nutrient-dense foods may contribute to better overall brain health.