NEW DELHI : Prediabetes affects more than 600 million people worldwide and is linked not only to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes but also to impaired brain function.
Adding a small quantity of almonds to the daily diet on their own or added to cereal, yogurt, curries, salads, and other dishes may help boost brain health and prevent a decline in cognitive function in adults with prediabetes, experts said.
Almonds contain
- protein
- fiber
- saturated fat and unsaturated fat
- 24 essential nutrients, including magnesium, potassium, and vitamin E.
A new study, published in the Journal of Nutrition, found improvements in executive function, blood sugar levels, and body composition after 24 weeks of daily almond consumption.
The findings showed that eating just a few almonds each day may benefit cognitive performance, metabolic health, and markers of inflammation and oxidative stress in middle-aged Asian Indian adults with prediabetes.
“Adults with prediabetes are vulnerable to a decline in cognitive function. Our study indicates that just one simple dietary change – adding a small quantity of almonds to the daily diet – may help support brain health and improve cognitive performance in some populations,” said Dr. Anoop Misra, co-investigator and Chairman, Fortis-CDOC Center of Excellence for Diabetes, Metabolic Diseases, and Endocrinology in New Delhi, part of the study.
He noted that daily almond consumption could help lower the risk of prediabetes progressing to type 2 diabetes, a condition associated with an increased risk of dementia.
How Was The Study Conducted?
- In a 24-week study, 60 Asian Indian adults aged 40–60 with prediabetes were assigned to either a control group or an almond group.
- Those in the almond group consumed 32–42 grams of almonds daily as part of a calorie-matched diet.
- Researchers assessed cognitive performance, blood sugar levels, cholesterol, weight, BMI, and waist circumference before and after the study.
What Did Researchers Find?
Participants in the almond group experienced improvements in executive function and processing speed, both key measures of cognitive performance.
They also demonstrated better blood sugar control, including lower fasting blood glucose, lower blood glucose levels two hours after eating, and improvements in HbA1c, a marker of long-term blood sugar control.
Additional metabolic benefits included significant reductions in body weight, body fat, BMI, waist circumference, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol.
Participants consuming almonds also showed improvements in markers related to inflammation and oxidative stress.
“The findings showing improvements in cognitive function, blood sugar control, body weight, and cholesterol levels reinforce the role of almonds as a superfood. Their versatility and convenience make them an easy addition to everyday eating habits, while also providing important nutrients that support overall well-being,” said Ritika Samaddar, Regional Head, Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Max Healthcare.
“Inflammation and oxidative stress are associated with cognitive decline. Our study found those in the almond group had lower levels of both, along with higher levels of a protective antioxidant (Vitamin E), compared with the control group,” said Dr. Seema Gulati, lead researcher of the study and Head of the Nutrition Research Group at the National Diabetes, Obesity and Cholesterol Foundation in New Delhi.
