Almonds shown to reduce risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease

December 23, 2010 · Posted in cholesterol · Comment 
Ayinde O. Chase – AHN News Editor

Modesto, CA, United States (AHN) – A recent scientific study finds that incorporating almonds into your diet can help treat and possibly prevent type 2 diabetes, in addition to cardiovascular disease.

The study, published in the June 2010 Journal of the American College of Nutrition illustrates that consuming a diet rich in almonds may help improve insulin sensitivity and decrease LDL-cholesterol levels in those with pre-diabetes.(3,4)

“We have made great strides in chronic disease research from evidence of effective treatment to evidence of effective prevention,” said Dr. Michelle Wien, Assistant Research Professor in Nutrition at Loma Linda University’s School of Public Health and Principal Investigator for this study, which was conducted at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. Wien adds, “It is promising for those with risk factors for chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, that dietary changes may help to improve factors that play a potential role in the disease development.”

Researchers analyzed the effects of consuming an almond-enriched diet as it relates to the progression of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in adults with pre-diabetes.

After 16 weeks of consuming either an almond-enriched or regular diet, both of which conformed with American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommendations, the group that consumed an almond-enriched diet showed significantly improved LDL cholesterol levels and measures of insulin sensitivity, risk factors for heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Nutrients in almonds, such as fiber and unsaturated fat, have been shown to help maintain healthy cholesterol levels and increase insulin sensitivity, both of which help to prevent the development of type 2 diabetes and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Nearly 16 million Americans are currently living with pre-diabetes, a precursor to type 2 diabetes, and half of all Americans expected to have some form of diabetes by the year 2020.

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5 Foods to Boost Good Cholesterol

December 2, 2009 · Posted in good cholesterol food · Comment 

This article lists 5 basic foods that can potentially boost your good cholesterol levels. These foods are inexpensive and can be found at any local grocery store.

HDL stands for high density lipoproteins and is often referred to as “good” cholesterol. These proteins transport cholesterol in the blood. If your levels are too high, your risk of heart disease decreases, and likewise, if your levels are low, you risk increases.

There are certain foods that can have a positive effect on your HDL levels. Dark chocolate, salmon, berries, eggs and whole grains are five food items that can help you boost your good cholesterol levels.

A study conducted at Sinai Hospital in Baltimore, suggests that eating dark chocolate (the gourmet kind that is 70% cacao) can raise your HDL levels significantly. Eating small daily doses (1/2 ounce) over an extended period of time should help raise your good cholesterol.

According to a Loma Linda University study in California, high density lipoprotein levels rose 4 percent in people who ate two 4-ounce servings of salmon a week for four weeks. Researchers also say that eating other fatty fish, such as, mackerel, herring and sardines should deliver similar benefits. Read more

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