Almonds – for Heart Health and Blood Sugar Control

By Al Sears, MD
Whenever you indulge in high-carb meals – as most of us do during the holiday season – here’s a tip to help keep your blood sugar in check … and boost your heart health too. Simply eat some almonds at the same time.

A recent article in the [December 2006 issue of the] Journal of Nutrition found that almonds have the remarkable ability to balance your blood sugar after eating high-carb foods. Just one serving of almonds can prevent the blood sugar spikes associated with high-glycemic foods like bread, cake, pasta, and grains. (These spikes lead to obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.)

Almonds also have a dramatic effect on your heart. They act as antioxidants and neutralize the free radicals released by high-carb, high-sugar foods. Not only do they fight diabetes and heart disease, they’re a great source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and a wealth of other critical nutrients (including vitamin E, magnesium, fiber, potassium, calcium, and iron).

[Ed. Note: Dr. Sears, a practicing physician and the author of The Doctor’s Heart Cure and 12 Secrets to Virility, is a leading authority on longevity, physical fitness, and heart health.]
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This article appears courtesy of Early to Rise [Issue #1925, 12-29-06], the Internet's most popular health, wealth, and success e-zine. For a complimentary subscription, visit http://www.earlytorise.com/.