- Walnuts may help to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes
There is some evidence to suggest that consuming walnuts may help to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
A study published in the Journal of Nutrition in 2019 found that eating walnuts was associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes in women. The study followed over 138,000 women for more than a decade and found that those who ate walnuts at least once a week had a 24% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to those who never ate them.
Another study published in Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism in 2018 found that consuming walnuts improved insulin sensitivity in overweight adults with and without type 2 diabetes. Insulin sensitivity is an important factor in the development and management of type 2 diabetes.
It is thought that the beneficial effects of walnuts on blood sugar control may be due to their high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants. These nutrients may help to improve insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation, and protect against oxidative stress, all of which are important factors in the development of type 2 diabetes.
However, more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between walnut consumption and type 2 diabetes risk reduction. It is also important to note that walnuts should be consumed as part of a healthy and balanced diet, and that other lifestyle factors such as regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight are also important in reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
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Nutrition