Nuts Could Reduce Cardiovascular Risk for People with Diabetes

According to a recent CDC study, over 100 million adult Americans suffer from diabetes or prediabetes. If not treated properly, diabetes and prediabetes can put those at risk for other medical conditions including heart disease. In fact, those with diabetes are two to four times more likely to die from heart disease than adults without diabetes. However, new evidence shows that tree nuts may help those with diabetes avoid heart disease altogether.

The Link Between Nuts and Diabetes

Nuts are a great source of nutrients including protein, healthy fats, and Vitamin E. In a new study, researchers discovered another health benefit of nuts: They can help prevent cardiovascular disease and premature death in those suffering from type two diabetes. 

The study focused on self-reported diet surveys submitted from 16,217 men and women that collected data from before and after they were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. The survey included questions about the individuals’ consumption of peanuts and tree nuts over the course of several years. Researchers concluded that those who ate any type of nut reaped some heart-healthy benefits. However, they noted that tree nuts seemed to offer the most benefits to those with type 2 diabetes.

Studies Show Positive Results

Those with type 2 diabetes who ate at least five 28-gram servings of nuts per week had a 17 percent less chance of total cardiovascular disease, a 34 percent less chance of death due to heart disease, and a 20 percent lower risk of coronary heart disease. Additionally, this group also enjoyed a 31 percent reduced risk of all-cause mortality.

Those who increased their nut consumption after being diagnosed with diabetes had an 11 percent lower risk of developing heart disease than those who did not eat more nuts after being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Additionally, those who ate more nuts had a 15 percent lower risk of coronary heart disease, an 11 percent lower risk of cardiovascular disease, and a 25 percent lower risk of death due to cardiovascular disease.

While any number of nuts seemed to have an impact on the heart health of those with type 2 diabetes, each added serving of nuts per week lowered the subject’s risk of heart disease by three percent. It also lowered their risk of cardiovascular death by six percent per serving.

In short, nuts seem to have a positive effect on the heart health of those suffering from type two diabetes. While any number of nuts can be beneficial, at least five 28-gram servings seems to be the best option for those looking to improve their heart health or avoid heart conditions later.

Why are Nuts so Beneficial?

The exact reason nuts are so beneficial for those with diabetes continues to be unclear. However, it is known that nuts help maintain healthy blood sugar and blood pressure levels as well as help metabolize fats and lower inflammation. Researchers also believe that tree nuts are more beneficial because they contain more nutrients than peanuts.

What people eat is a leading factor in the development of heart disease. Luckily, there are a variety of foods, from fish to blueberries, that can improve individuals’ heart health, with or without diabetes. If you have questions about how your diet may be affecting your heart health, contact the experts at CardioVascular Group today.