This common nut can lower your risk of heart disease, dementia and diabetes
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How a handful of almonds could improve your health
- A new study in the journal Nutrition Research suggests that eating a handful of almonds daily can significantly reduce metabolic syndrome, a condition linked to heart disease, diabetes, and dementia.
- The 12-week clinical trial involved adults aged 35 to 60 with metabolic syndrome, with one group consuming 320 calories of almonds daily and the other eating the same number of calories from crackers.
- Participants who ate almonds experienced significant health improvements, including reductions in total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, and waist circumference.
- Blood tests of the almond group also showed increased levels of vitamin E and lower levels of gut inflammation, indicating a positive shift in gut health.
- Researchers highlight that almonds contain beneficial nutrients like vitamin E, polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, fibre, and other minerals that contribute to the observed health improvements.