The past few decades have seen a resurging interest in holistic medicine and natural healing. And even for those who opt for more traditional medical approaches, few would argue that solid nutritional habits impact health in a variety of positive ways. So, it is general knowledge that what we eat continues to be a critical component of our overall well-being.

One power food that really packs a punch is the almond. The fact that the almond has many health benefits isn’t news, but it is worth a reminder that this little nut can make a big difference! Almonds are a great source of healthy fat, and they are rich in fiber, magnesium, and Vitamin E. Believed to play a role in heart and brain health, almonds also improve the quality of our hair and nails. From a medical perspective, these little bits of nature have proven to help reduce blood pressure, control cholesterol, and have a positive effect on blood sugar levels.

U.S. National Institutes of Health Findings

In fact, a recent article in Newsmax Health outlines the research findings of a study funded by the U.S. National Institutes of Health on this topic. This study revealed that people with type 2 diabetes who ate 5 or more one-ounce servings of tree nuts weekly reduced the odds of heart disease by 20 percent and lowered the risk of premature death from heart disease by one-third. It is important to note that nuts need to be consumed in moderation, and that tree nuts like almonds and walnuts provide the best benefits.

The study included diet and health information from over 16,000 people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and monitored them over the course of two decades. An observational study such as this one cannot prove cause and effect—it merely reveals correlations. But the evidence is clear, that when consumed regularly, almonds can help with cardiac-related issues in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Click here to read the article in its entirety.