An apple a day may keep the doctor away, but when it comes to looking after your heart, it seems that nothing does a better job than a handful of almonds. New research on almonds has found that the dry fruits are especially good for the heart, for not only do they happen to be high in several types of antioxidants, but may also improve blood sugar levels as well as play an important role in a cholesterol lowering eating plan, researchers at Tufts University have found.
The researchers found that a one ounce serving of almonds or about a handful, for instance, contains the same amount of antioxidants as a serving of cooked broccoli or a serving of brewed green or black tea.
?This analysis of almond skin antioxidants sheds more light on all the nutrients in almonds that may provide a health benefit,? says study author Jeffrey Blumberg, Ph.D., director of the Antioxidants Research Laboratory at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging and professor, Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University. ?These new findings coupled with past results lay the groundwork for future clinical trials that examine a link between whole almond consumption and the reduced risk of heart disease and other chronic conditions,? he added.
Researchers also found that eating almonds may improve blood sugar levels, which in a normal range can help to reduce the risk of heart disease.