Trumbo, P.R., J. Ard, F. Bellisle, A. Drewnowski, J.A. Gilbert, R. Kleinman, A. Misra, J. Sievenpiper, M. Tahiri, K.E. Watson, J. Hill, 2024. Perspective: current scientific evidence and research strategies in the role of almonds in cardiometabolic health. Curr Dev Nutr. 9(1):104516. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cdnut.2024.104516.
Almonds are consumed by individuals around the world. Because almonds are rich in protein, unsaturated fatty acids, and fiber, a significant amount of research has been conducted on their role in affecting various cardiometabolic endpoints (body weight, blood pressure, blood cholesterol levels, and glycemic response). The most current meta-analyses on almond consumption and various health-related endpoints suggest that almond consumption does not result in weight gain and results in small reductions in LDL cholesterol and diastolic blood pressure, as well as improved glycemic responses in certain populations (i.e. Asian Indians). A number of research gaps on almond consumption and cardiometabolic health were identified that should be addressed to further understand their role in the various cardiometabolic endpoints, including the mechanisms of action interactions with the microbiome with regular consumption and their role as part of a healthy dietary pattern for both individuals and the general population.
Gayathri, R., K. Abirami, N. Kalpana, V.S. Manasa, V. Sudha, S. Shobana, R.G. Jeevan, V. Kavitha, K. Parkavi, R.M. Anjana, R. Unnikrishnan, K. Gokulakrishnan, D.A. Beatrice, K. Krishnaswamy, R. Pradeepa, R.D. Mattes, J. Salas-Salvadó, W. Willett, V. Mohan, 2023. Effect of almond consumption on insulin sensitivity and serum lipids among Asian Indian adults with overweight and obesity- A randomized controlled trial. Front. Nutr. 9: 1055923. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2022.1055923
Background: Asian Indians have an increased susceptibility to type 2 diabetes and premature coronary artery disease. Nuts, like almonds, are rich in unsaturated fat and micronutrients with known health benefits. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the efficacy of almonds for reduction of insulin resistance and improving lipid profile in overweight Asian Indian adults. Methods: This parallel-arm, randomized, controlled trial was conducted in Chennai, India on 400 participants aged 25-65 years with a body mass index ≥ 23 kg/m2. The intervention group received 43 g of almonds/day for 12 weeks, while the control group was advised to consume a customary diet but to avoid nuts. Anthropometric, clinical, and dietary data were assessed at periodic intervals. Glucose tolerance, serum insulin, glycated hemoglobin, C-peptide and lipid profile were assessed at baseline and end of the study. Insulin resistance (homeostasis assessment model-HOMA IR) and oral insulin disposition index (DIo) were calculated. Results: A total of 352 participants completed the study. Significant improvement was seen in DIo [mean (95% CI) = + 0.7 mmol/L (0.1, 1.3); p = 0.03], HOMA IR (-0.4 (-0.7, -0.04; p = 0.03) and total cholesterol (-5.4 mg/dl (-10.2, -0.6); p = 0.03) in the intervention group compared to the control group. Incremental area under the curve (IAUC) and mean amplitude of glycemic excursion (MAGE) assessed using continuous glucose monitoring systems were also significantly lower in the intervention group. Dietary 24-h recalls showed a higher significant reduction in carbohydrate and increase in mono unsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) intake in the intervention group compared to the control group. Conclusion: Daily consumption of almonds increased the intake of MUFA with decrease in carbohydrate calories and decreases insulin resistance, improves insulin sensitivity and lowers serum cholesterol in Asian Indians with overweight/obesity. These effects in the long run could aid in reducing the risk of diabetes and other cardiometabolic disease.
Gu, X., J.-P. Drouin-Chartier, F.M. Sacks, F.B. Hu, B. Rosner, W.C. Willett, 2023. Red meat intake and risk of type 2 diabetes in a prospective cohort study of United States females and males. Amer J Clin Nutr. doi.org/10.1016/j.ajcnut.2023.08.021
Background: Studies with methodological advancements are warranted to confirm the relation of red meat consumption to the incidence of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Objective: We aimed to assess the relationships of intakes of total, processed, and unprocessed red meat to risk of T2D and to estimate the effects of substituting different protein sources for red meats on T2D risk. Methods: Our study included 216,695 participants (81% females) from the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS), NHS II, and Health Professionals Follow-up Study (HPFS). Red meat intakes were assessed with semiquantitative food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) every 2 to 4 y since the study baselines. We used multivariable-adjusted proportional hazards models to estimate the associations between red meats and T2D. Results: Over 5,483,981 person-years of follow-up, we documented 22,761 T2D cases. Intakes of total, processed, and unprocessed red meat were positively and approximately linearly associated with higher risks of T2D. Comparing the highest to the lowest quintiles, hazard ratios (HR) were 1.62 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.53, 1.71) for total red meat, 1.51 (95% CI: 1.44, 1.58) for processed red meat, and 1.40 (95% CI: 1.33, 1.47) for
unprocessed red meat. The percentage lower risk of T2D associated with substituting 1 serving/d of nuts and legumes for total red meat was 30% (HR ¼ 0.70, 95% CI: 0.66, 0.74), for processed red meat was 41% (HR ¼ 0.59, 95% CI: 0.55, 0.64), and for unprocessed red meat was 29% (HR ¼ 0.71, 95% CI: 0.67, 0.75); Substituting 1 serving/d of dairy for total, processed, or unprocessed red meat was also associated with significantly lower risk of T2D. The observed associations became stronger after we calibrated dietary intakes to intakes assessed by weighed diet records. Conclusions: Our study supports current dietary recommendations for limiting consumption of red meat intake and emphasizes the importance of different alternative sources of protein for T2D prevention.
Gulati, S., A. Misra, R. Tiwari, M. Sharma, R.M. Pandey, A.D. Upadhyay, H.C. Sati, 2023. Beneficial effects of premeal almond load on glucose profile on oral glucose tolerance and continuous glucose monitoring: randomized crossover trials in Asian Indians with prediabetes. European journal of clinical nutrition. 77(5):586–595. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41430-023-01263-1
Background: Rapid conversion from prediabetes to diabetes and frequent postprandial hyperglycemia (PPHG) is seen in Asian Indians. These should be the target of dietary strategies. Objectives: We hypothesized that dietary intervention of preloading major meals with almonds in participants with prediabetes will decrease overall glycemia and PPHG. Design: The study included two phases: (1) an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)-based crossover randomized control study, the effect of a single premeal almond load (20 g) given before OGTT was evaluated (n = 60, 30 each period). (2) The continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS)-based study for 3 days including premeal almond load before three major meals was a free-living, open-labeled, crossover randomized control trial, where control and premeal almond load diets were compared for glycaemic control (n = 60, 30 in each period). The study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (registration no. NCT04769726). Results: In the OGTT-based study phase, the overall AUC for blood glucose, serum insulin, C-peptide, and plasma glucagon post-75 g oral glucose load was significantly lower for treatment vs. control diet (p < 0.001). Specifically, with the former diet, PPHG was significantly lower (18.05% in AUC on OGTT, 24.8% at 1-h, 28.9% at 2-h post OGTT, and 10.07% during CGMS). The CGMS data showed that premeal almond load significantly improved 24-glucose variability; SD of mean glucose concentration and mean of daily differences. Daily glycaemic control improved significantly as per the following: mean 24-h blood glucose concentration (M), time spent above 7.8 mmol/L of blood glucose, together with the corresponding AUC values. Premeal almond load significantly decreased following: overall hyperglycemia (glucose AUC), PPHG, peak 24-h glycaemia, and minimum glucose level during night. Conclusion: Incorporation of 20 g of almonds, 30 min before each major meal led to a significant decrease in PPHG (as revealed in OGTT-based study phase) and also improved insulin, C-peptide, glucagon levels, and improved glucose variability and glycemic parameters on CGMS in participants with prediabetes.
