Can Diabetics Eat Nuts?

It is usually believed that diabetics should not eat certain foods at all, but it is not true. People with diabetes can eat any type of food as long as they eat it in moderation.

In this article we will see if diabetics can eat nuts. Nuts are known for their health benefits all around the world, but can diabetics also eat them? Are nuts beneficial for people with diabetes or they can be harmful?

Are Nuts Safe for Diabetics?

The answer is yes. Fortunately, people with diabetes can safely consume nuts. Not only are nuts safe for diabetics, but they can also be very beneficial. The most popular type of nuts are peanuts that are full of essential amino acids. People with diabetes should eat walnuts because they are the only nut source of alpha-linolenic acid.

Also, almonds are a great option for diabetics because they are high in vitamin E and other nutrients. A recent research has shown that almonds can reduce the rise in blood sugar and insulin levels after meals. Cashews are rich in magnesium, while Brazil nuts are the most important nut source of selenium. Selenium is a mineral that is very beneficial for men because it can protect against prostate cancer. Peanuts, pistachios and almonds can help in lowering cholesterol levels.

As you can see, nuts have many health benefits for people with diabetes. But, you should have in mind that nuts are high in calories, so you should not eat too much of them. A handful of nuts is more than enough as a daily snack. You can also sprinkle nuts on the top of frozen yogurt in order to get more health benefits. Nuts that contain most calories are pecans and macadamia.

It is proved that nuts can lower glycemic index of food, which is very important for diabetics. Studies have shown that nuts can slow the absorption of carbohydrates and stabilize blood sugar levels.

Also, it is known that high cholesterol levels can increase the risk of heart disease and people with diabetes are more at risk than others. Nuts are rich in unsaturated fats and fiber and they can lower cholesterol levels. Because of that diabetics should include nuts in their diet. This way they will prevent many cardiovascular diseases.

Although nuts are healthy for diabetics, there’s one thing you should know. Nuts can be bad if they are served with added sugar, such as chocolate or honey, because these components are rich is simple carbohydrates and they can raise blood glucose levels.

Summary

After reading this article, you can safely eat nuts. Nuts are a great source of unsaturated fats, fiber, vitamins and minerals. Nuts can reduce the risk of many diseases and diabetics should include them in their diet. Nuts can be a great replacement for many carbohydrate foods.

They can also help in lowering blood sugar levels and they can keep diabetes under control. But, remember that nuts, like all other foods, should be eaten in moderation.

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