What are the benefits of eating nuts if I have diabetes?

There has long been evidence that eating nuts in small quantities is good for your heart. Now we are learning that it may also be good for your diabetes.

Nuts are derived from plants and therefore contain natural antioxidants that help to decrease plaque formation in the arteries and may decrease the risk of developing heart disease. When nuts are eaten with a carbohydrate food, such as bread or fruit, they decrease the rise of sugar after that meal. This may be caused by the fiber, protein and healthy fats found in nuts. Therefore, people with diabetes may improve blood sugar levels by incorporating nuts into their meals or snacks.

In fact, in a recent issue of Diabetes Forecast magazine, the American Diabetes Association lists nuts as one of the “10 diabetes superfoods.” The article states: “An ounce of nuts can go a long way in providing key healthy fats along with hunger management. Nuts also give you a dose of magnesium and fiber. Some nuts and seeds, such as walnuts and flaxseeds, also contain omega-3 fatty acids.”