Pistachios can be a healthy nighttime snack for prediabetic patients. A recent study published in The Journal of Nutrition found that pistachios, rich in dietary fiber and unsaturated fatty acids, can have a positive impact on glucose regulation and cardiovascular health.
The study, which included 51 prediabetic adults, revealed that intake of pistachios as a nighttime snack had similar effects on short and longer-term glycemic control compared to consuming carbohydrate-rich snacks.
Additionally, pistachios have a low glycemic index, which makes them a safe option for diabetics, and they are associated with better glycemic control and lower cardiovascular disease risk.
Therefore, including pistachios in the diet of prediabetic patients may help manage blood glucose levels and improve overall diet quality.
Prediabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. This puts individuals at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Consuming snacks after dinner but before bedtime can impact blood sugar levels the next morning. The American Diabetes Association and Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommend carbohydrate-rich snacks for this purpose, aiming to improve glycemic control.
Pistachios are rich in fiber, unsaturated fatty acids, and various beneficial nutrients. Studies have shown their potential to improve blood glucose control and insulin sensitivity.
The study involved 51 prediabetic adults randomly assigned to two groups. One group received 57 grams of dry roasted, unsalted pistachios daily as a nighttime snack for 12 weeks, while the other received a carbohydrate-rich snack. Researchers then monitored key parameters like blood sugar, insulin, and vascular health markers.
The Findings
- No significant differences were observed in blood glucose or vascular health indicators between the pistachio and carbohydrate-rich snack groups.
- However, the pistachio group displayed higher scores on the Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015), indicating better overall diet quality.
- They consumed more seafood, plant proteins, and fiber while reducing refined grains intake.
- Both groups consumed similar total calories, but pistachios provided a higher percentage of monounsaturated fatty acids and potassium.
The Takeaway
While pistachios didn’t show a clear advantage over carbohydrate-rich snacks in controlling blood sugar and vascular health in this study, they did offer significant benefits for overall diet quality. This makes them a healthier alternative for prediabetic patients seeking evening snacks that align with dietary guidelines.
Limitations to Consider
The study faced challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to participant withdrawal and potentially impacting the generalizability of the findings.
The age restriction implemented later in the study might limit the applicability of the results to older individuals.
Overall, while pistachios may not be a magic bullet for prediabetic blood sugar control, they offer a healthy and delicious alternative to other nighttime snacks, promoting a more balanced diet and potentially contributing to long-term health benefits. Study source
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