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Nuts are high in
unsaturated fats, fiber and micronutrients, and it has been
suggested that they can reduce the risk of heart disease.
However, a recent study examining the effect of nuts on insulin
resistance and in patients with type 2 diabetes found that
nuts may also increase weight.
Twenty people participated
in the study by eating about 3 ounces of almonds a day for
four weeks. Though the nuts did not substantially influence
insulin sensitivity, body weight increased significantly,
which may have affected changes in insulin sensitivity. Cholesterol,
both good (HDL) and bad (LDL), decreased significantly after
the four-week period.
In patients with
diabetes, the increase in almonds did not alter blood sugar
control.
The study suggests
that in order to avoid weight gain, nuts must replace other
sources of energy and fat in the diet.
American
J Clinical Nutrition November 2002;76(5):1000-6
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