Daily Almond Intake May Improve Brain Function and Metabolic Health in People With Prediabetes
Eating almonds regularly may offer benefits beyond nutrition, with a new clinical trial suggesting that daily almond consumption could improve certain aspects of cognitive performance and metabolic health in middle-aged adults with prediabetes.
The study, published in The Journal of Nutrition, involved 60 adults aged 40 to 60 with prediabetes but without type 2 diabetes. Participants were randomly divided into two groups and followed for 24 weeks.
One group consumed almonds as part of their daily diet, providing about 20% of their daily energy intake, equivalent to roughly 32–42 grams of almonds per day, while the control group followed a calorie-matched diet without almonds.
At the end of six months, participants in the almond group showed improvements in executive function and processing speed, two important aspects of cognitive performance. Researchers also recorded reductions in body weight, BMI, waist circumference and several blood glucose measures, including fasting glucose and HbA1c.
The study also found a reduction in a marker of oxidative stress and an increase in alpha-tocopherol, a form of vitamin E. These findings suggest that almonds may have both cognitive and metabolic benefits in people with prediabetes.
Researchers believe the nutritional profile of almonds—including fibre, protein, unsaturated fats, magnesium and antioxidants—may contribute to their potential metabolic benefits.
However, the researchers cautioned that the findings should not be interpreted as proof that almonds can prevent or treat diabetes or cognitive decline. The study involved only 60 participants and lasted six months, so larger and longer-term studies are needed to confirm the results.
The study was also funded by the Almond Board of California, a factor worth considering when interpreting the findings.
Overall, the research adds to evidence that incorporating nutrient-rich foods such as nuts into a balanced diet may support metabolic and cognitive health, particularly among people at elevated risk of type 2 diabetes.
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