In A Nutshell – Nuts That Should Be a Part of your Daily Diabetic Diet - Diabetes Blog (2024)

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A healthy diabetic diet must consist of all essential nutrients and calculated calories and carbohydrates in order to ensure you don’t overload. Research suggests that two servings ofnuts (approximately 50-60 grams) lowers and stabilizes blood sugar level in people with Type 2 Diabetes. Here is a list of nuts along with their nutrients and the benefits they have when included in thefood to control Diabetes.

In A Nutshell – Nuts That Should Be a Part of your Daily Diabetic Diet - Diabetes Blog (1)

We recommend a handful of 6 almonds, 3 pistachios and 2 walnuts a day as part of your diabetic food plan. Toss them in your salad or eat a fistful on your way to work. So what really makes the food for diabetic patients go nuts? Well, let us find out what the following nuts have to offer?

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1) Almonds

Nutrients –Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc, Vitamin E
Benefits –It helps inlowering cholesterol, reduces risk of heart diseases, protects from different types of cancer and healthy bones.

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2) Pistachios

Nutrients –Antioxidants, Minerals, Vitamins, and Protein.
Benefits –It helps in lowering bad LDL cholesterol and increases good HDL cholesterol levels. Reduce risk of heart diseases and stroke by building a healthy lipid profile.

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3) Walnuts

Nutrients– Alpha-Linolenic Acid and Omega-3 fats, along with high amounts of Copper, Manganese, Molybdenum, and Biotin.
Benefits –Improved blood vessel function, blood lipids and cholesterol profile thereby reducing risk of heart disease. Studies also suggest walnuts reduce the risk for type 2 diabetes in women and help in reducing insulin resistance in both genders.

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4) Cashew nuts

Nutrients –Iron, Zinc and Potassium and Antioxidants. Cashews have high protein and carb content and good fats.
Benefits–It reduces blood pressure and antioxidants protect us against cataracts ( in eyes). Helps form and utilize blood cells thereby improving immunity, nerves and healthy bones.

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5) Hazelnuts

Nutrients –Vitamin E, complex carbs, healthy monounsaturated fats, Vitamin B – Biotin, iron and calcium. Contain no cholesterol but are high in calories. They also contain flavonoids
Benefits –Lowers cholesterol and risk of cancer. Biotin improves hair, skin and nails. Flavonoids may improve brain health, improve circulation and reduce allergies. Minerals improve blood pressure count.

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6) Peanuts

Nutrients –Low Glycemic index, Magnesium, High in Protein, Healthy Fats and Antioxidants.
Benefits –It doesn’t spike blood sugar levels and protects your heart and blood vessels.

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7) Brazil Nuts

Nutrients –High in calories (two nuts = calories of an egg), Healthy Fatty Acids and reliable source of Selenium.
Benefits –Just one Brazil nut has shown to lower the risk of heart disease and cancer, and also play a role in reducing allergies and inflammation.

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8) Macadamia Nuts

Nutrients – Very good source of Magnesium and healthy fats. They are also highest in calories compared to other nuts.
Benefits – Lowers cholesterol and blood pressure. Protects cells from free- radical damage and reduces the risk of different types of cancer. Magnesium content also helps on sex- hormone formation.

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9) Pine Nuts

Nutrients –Rich in mono-unsaturated fatty acids, Vitamin E, Gluten Free, B-complex and minerals such as Manganese, Potassium, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Zinc and Selenium. High in calories.
Benefits –Lowers cholesterol therefore reduces risk of heart disease. Anti- aging antioxidants and boost energy levels. Pine nuts are also good for the eyes.

Keep in mind the glycemic index of food items before consuming them. In case of doubts, always consult your doctor or health coach. Along with that, monitor your sugar levels on a regular basis and have a regular fitness regime.

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In A Nutshell – Nuts That Should Be a Part of your Daily Diabetic Diet - Diabetes Blog (2024)

FAQs

In A Nutshell – Nuts That Should Be a Part of your Daily Diabetic Diet - Diabetes Blog? ›

We recommend a handful of 6 almonds, 3 pistachios and 2 walnuts a day as part of your diabetic food plan.

What is the healthiest nut for a diabetic? ›

The most important nuts for people with diabetes are probably the ones that improve cardiovascular health: almonds, walnuts, and pistachios, namely. If you only incorporate a few nuts into your diet, choose these ones. But be sure to avoid the salted varieties.

How many nuts should a diabetic eat a day? ›

Nuts have also been shown to improve good cholesterol and lower bad cholesterol. Zumpano suggests aiming for three servings of nuts each week. A serving size is an ounce, or about the amount that would fit in the palm of the hand.

Are nuts bad for a1c? ›

The results showed nuts were more effective at reducing fasting blood glucose when compared to red meat and fruits and vegetables, as well as HOMA-IR when compared to eggs and dairy. No significant effects were shown for HbA1c.

What is a diabetic diet in a nutshell? ›

Eating the right foods for diabetes means eating a variety of healthy foods from all the food groups:
  1. Fruits and vegetables.
  2. Whole grains, such as whole wheat, brown rice, barley, quinoa, and oats.
  3. Proteins, such as lean meats, chicken, turkey, fish, eggs, nuts, beans, lentils, and tofu.
Mar 15, 2024

What is the number 1 healthiest nut? ›

1. Almonds. Relatively low in calories, almonds are an excellent food for health due to their protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Which nuts have the least sugar? ›

Nuts naturally contain a small amount of sugar. Whilst not regarded as an inherently 'sugary food', nuts naturally contain some sugar (around 2-6g/100g, depending on the nut type) in the form of sucrose. Pistachios contain the most sugar (5.9g/100g) and Brazil nuts the least (2.1g/100g).

Are bananas good for diabetics? ›

Takeaway. A person with diabetes should include a variety of fresh, whole foods in their diet, such as nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables. Bananas are a safe and nutritious fruit for people with diabetes to eat in moderation as part of a balanced, individualized eating plan.

Is peanut butter good for diabetics? ›

Peanut butter contains essential nutrients, and it can be part of a healthful diet when a person has diabetes. However, it is important to eat it in moderation, as it contains a lot of calories. People should also make sure their brand of peanut butter is not high in added sugar, salt, or fat.

Are eggs good for diabetics? ›

Protein-rich foods like eggs can play an important role in regulating blood sugar levels for people with diabetes. Plus, eggs contain many essential vitamins and minerals, and have just 80 calories each.

Is cheese ok for type 2 diabetes? ›

Cheese can be included as part of a healthy, balanced diet if you have diabetes. However, people with diabetes should opt for cheeses that are low in saturated fat and sodium while high in protein. If you have diabetes, combine higher-GI foods with cheese to help regulate blood sugar and prevent spiking.

Is oatmeal good for diabetics? ›

Oatmeal can be a good option for people with diabetes. Oatmeal has a low glycemic index (GI) score, and the soluble fiber and beneficial compounds in oats may help people control markers of diabetes.

What breakfast does not spike blood sugar? ›

14 Best Breakfast Foods for People with Diabetes
  • Eggs. Eggs are delicious, versatile, and a great breakfast choice. ...
  • Greek yogurt with berries. ...
  • Overnight chia seed pudding. ...
  • Oatmeal. ...
  • Multigrain avocado toast. ...
  • Low carb smoothies. ...
  • Wheat bran cereal. ...
  • Cottage cheese, fruit, and nut bowl.
Nov 4, 2022

What should diabetics drink first thing in the morning? ›

Water is the best all-round drink. If your family likes flavoured waters, make your own by adding a squeeze of lemon or lime, or strawberries.

What drink lowers blood sugar? ›

Drinking water is an excellent way to stay hydrated without consuming sugar. Green tea, cow's milk, and fermented milk (kefir) could also help you manage your blood sugar responses. Coffee also contains compounds that may help regulate blood sugar, but confirming this requires more research.

How can I flush sugar out of my system fast? ›

Drinking plenty of water helps your kidneys flush out excess sugar. One study found that people who drink more water lower their risk for developing high blood sugar levels. And remember, water is the best. Sugary drinks elevate blood sugar by raising it even more.

Which is better for diabetics peanuts or almonds? ›

The results. There was no clear difference between the peanut and almond groups for any of the outcomes. Both groups experienced a decrease in fasting blood glucose and 2-hour postprandial glucose levels.

Are bananas good for a diabetic? ›

Though bananas are higher in carbs and sugars than some foods, they also contain fiber and resistant starch that slows down the digestion and release of sugar into your bloodstream. These qualities make bananas a healthy, go-to snack for people with diabetes.

Which nut has the lowest glycemic index? ›

Nuts contain relatively small amounts of carbohydrate, and because of this, most nuts do not have a glycaemic index (GI). The exceptions are chestnuts (GI = 54), pistachios (GI = 28), cashews (GI = 25) and peanuts (GI = 13), which are low in carbohydrate – but do have enough to be GI tested (1).

What is the best fruit for diabetics? ›

Top Fruits for Diabetics
  • Apples. According to the American Diabetes Association, the GI of an apple ranges from 32 to 38. ...
  • Berries. Berries, such as blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries, have a GI range of 28-40. ...
  • Kiwi. ...
  • Citrus fruits. ...
  • Avocados. ...
  • Apricots. ...
  • Peaches. ...
  • Cherries.
Oct 1, 2023

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