ABOUT ALMONDS

Almonds – for Heart Health and Blood Sugar Control

By Al Sears, MD

Whenever you indulge in high-carb meals – as most of us do during the holiday season – here’s a tip to help keep your blood sugar in check … and boost your heart health too. Simply eat some almonds at the same time.

A recent article in the Journal of Nutrition found that almonds have the remarkable ability to balance your blood sugar after eating high-carb foods. Just one serving of almonds can prevent the blood sugar spikes associated with high-glycemic foods like bread, cake, pasta, and grains. (These spikes lead to obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.)

Almonds also have a dramatic effect on your heart. They act as antioxidants and neutralize the free radicals released by high-carb, high-sugar foods. Not only do they fight diabetes and heart disease, they’re a great source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and a wealth of other critical nutrients (including vitamin E, magnesium, fiber, potassium, calcium, and iron).