Handful of nuts a day could prevent type 2 diabetes

A handful of nuts a day could prevent type 2 diabetes, new research suggests.

Omega-6 rich foods, such as nuts and sunflower oil, lower a person’s risk of developing the condition by up to 35 per cent, a study review found.

Previous research reveals omega-6 gets converted into linoleic acid in the body, which may prevent type 2 diabetes by improving fat metabolism and insulin sensitivity according to Daily mail.

Lead author Dr Jason Wu, said: ‘Our findings suggest that a simple change in diet might protect people from developing type 2 diabetes which has reached alarming levels around the world.’

 Linoleic acid cannot be produced in the body and needs to be taken in via food.

How the research was carried out 

The researchers analysed 20 studies conducted between 1970 and 2010.

Some 39,740 adults aged between 49 and 76 years old were included in the trial review. 

None of the participants had type 2 diabetes at the beginning of their respective studies.

The participant’s blood was tested for linoleic and arachidonic acid, which are markers of omega-6. 

‘Simple change in diet might protect people from type 2 diabetes’ 

Results suggest eating a handful of nuts a day could prevent type 2 diabetes.

Nuts, as well as soybean, sunflower and seed oils, contain omega-6, which is converted to linoleic acid when digested.

People with the highest levels of linoleic acid are 35 per cent less likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those with the lowest amounts.  

Arachidonic acid levels are not associated with an increased or decreased risk of type 2 diabetes.

Dr Wu said: ‘Our findings suggest that a simple change in diet might protect people from developing type 2 diabetes which has reached alarming levels around the world.’

‘Those [participants] who had the highest levels of blood omega-6 markers had a much lower chance of developing type 2 diabetes.’

Previous research reveals linoleic acid may prevent type 2 diabetes by improving fat metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Linoleic acid cannot be produced in the body and needs to be taken in via food.

Dr Wu adds the findings contradict previous research that omega-6 may cause inflammation and lead to heart disease.

N.H.K