Tree Nut Consumption Decreases Triglycerides, Fasting Blood Glucose, and HbA1c Levels

Consuming 2 oz. of tree nuts per day decreased triglycerides by approximately 0.06 mmol/L and decreased fasting blood glucose by approximately 0.08 mmol/L over an average follow-up of 8 weeks, according to a BMJ Open meta-analysis of 49 randomized control trials with 2226 participants who were otherwise healthy or had metabolic syndrome criteria, dyslipidemia, or type 2 diabetes. A PLOS ONE meta-analysis of 12 randomized clinical trials with 450 type 2 diabetics also found that diets emphasizing consuming 2 oz. of tree nuts per day significantly lowered HbA1c and fasting glucose compared with control diets. Tree nuts include almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamias, pecans, pine nuts, pistachios, and walnuts.