Loaded with protein and fiber, nuts are filling and contain high levels of unsaturated fat, the kind that contributes to HDL (“good”) cholesterol, making them a top choice for heart health. And when it comes to stabilizing blood sugar, polyunsaturated fats in tree nuts, such as almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, pecans, walnuts, and pistachios, are especially beneficial.
People with type 2 diabetes who regularly enjoy tree nuts in their diet may not only experience better glycemic control but also reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease and death, compared with those who skip them.
“Plant-based healthy fats can improve lipid levels,” says Leah Kaufman, RD, CDCES, a dietitian nutritionist at NYU Langone Health in New York City. She recommends adding foods rich in polyunsaturated fats to your diet to help reduce high cholesterol related to elevated blood glucose, but with one caveat: “Although healthy, these foods do have a higher amount of calories, so I would limit them to one serving per day,” says Kaufman.
A 1-oz serving of tree nuts can look like 24 almonds, 14 walnut halves, 18 cashews, or 15 pecan halves.
