As you know, I’m all for research into natural ways to thwart the diabetes epidemic. So when I came across a study recently in the Journal of Nutrition stating that almonds can help reign in erratic blood sugar levels, I was excited.
The researchers had 15 volunteers eat five different meals at five different times. One of the meals included about 2 ounces of almonds. When they compared the subjects’ results, the researchers found that not only were the glucose levels substantially lower following the almond-containing meal, but so were the subjects’ levels of oxidative damage. And that’s good news not just for diabetes, but for all sorts of health concerns-from wrinkles to cancer.
But despite the great news, I did hit a stumbling block when I was reading through the research…The meals that the researchers used in the study were made up of some of the worst kinds of refined carbohydrates: white bread, white rice, and, in my opinion, the worst of the bunch — instant mashed potatoes (I’m sorry, but I like to be able to distinguish my food from my laundry detergent…).
Then the researchers made a big point to state that they did “balance” the meals for carbohydrate, fat, and protein. How, you might ask? Using butter and cheese! Knowing what we both do about the health problems associated with dairy products, you can see why this little detail cast a dark shadow over the bright light the study attempted to shine on the benefits of almonds.
Don’t get me wrong: The news is still good. I mean, if almonds can help reduce your blood sugar and protect you from oxidative damage after meals like THAT, they must be pretty powerful. All I’m saying is, don’t expect them to be a cure-all.
When it comes to controlling diabetes, every little bit of extra nutritional support helps. But setting a healthy foundation for all of those “extras” is up to you. And parboiled rice, instant mashed potatoes, and cheese just aren’t going to cut it.
Sources:
“Antioxidant-rich almonds may help in blood sugar control,” NutraIngredients (www.nutraingredients.com), 12/4/06
“Almonds Decrease Postprandial Glycemia, Insulinemia, and Oxidative Damage in Healthy Individuals,” Journal of Nutrition 2006; 136(12): 2,987-2,992
