Could almonds be the answer to lowering cholesterol & fighting diabetes
A handful of almonds could be the answer to cholesterol lowering and fighting diabetes. They also improve one’s sensitivity towards insulin.
A study carried out in the US and published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition reveals that a diet deriving of 20% of its calories from almonds proves effective in improving insulin sensitivity and significantly improves levels of LDL (low density lipoprotein) cholesterol in adults who have pre-diabetes.
Although the results have been impressive, almonds will not suffice if the rest of the diet is contributing to cholesterol problems or diabetes. The diet needs to be healthy overall.
This result follows a series of reports on the dangers of statins and the associated risks of developing cardiomyopathy from the treatment. This type of condition involves the deterioration of the heart muscle.
The drugs lower cholesterol levels as they stop the activity of the HMG-Coal enzyme while at the same time reducing levels of an enzyme called coenzyme Q10, which is vital for the functioning of muscle. It is said that companies do not publicise the potential side effects of statins and that no warning appears on their packaging however the company are, by law, obliged to do so. If there was reason to suggest such side effects were associated with statin treatment then the company would be forced to put warnings on their packaging but there has not been sufficient study carried out to prove this argument.
If taking statins or any other prescription treatment, one must have a series of follow up doctor’s visits so that they are monitored throughout their treatment. All prescription medication causes side effects. It is down to how serious the side effects are, how frequent they are and how they are controlled and monitored by the patient and doctor.