核果對於冠狀動脈心臟病(CHD)危險因子,尤其是血脂的影響,已被廣泛研究且確認它們的有益效用。世代研究中,核果對冠狀動脈心臟病的有益效應也已被清楚的證實。雖然有理由去相信核果的獨特巨量或微量營養素可以幫助血糖的控制,僅有少數研究探究它們在糖尿病控制及管理的角色。核果含有較低的可利用性醣類、健康的脂肪酸組成、高的植物性蛋白、纖維及鎂。急性餵食研究指出,當單獨食用核果,對於餐後血糖值的升高幾乎無影響。此外,當核果與富含醣類的食物一起食用,會減緩醣類食物的餐後血糖反應。儘管有這些成功的急性研究,僅有少數的試驗測試核果在第二型糖尿病的效應。這些研究要不是缺乏足夠的時間去觀察血糖管理基準之糖化血色素的改變,就是統計檢力不夠。因此,需要較長期的臨床研究去評估核果在糖尿病前期或是糖尿病人之血糖管理的角色。整體來說,有很正確的理由去更進一步的探究核果的使用在糖尿病及微血管和大血管的併發症的預防。
The effects of tree nuts on risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD), in particular blood lipids, have been investigated in a number of studies and the beneficial effects are now recognized. The beneficial effects of nuts on CHD in cohort studies have also been clearly demonstrated. However, while there is also reason to believe the unique micro- and macronutrient profiles of nuts may help to control blood glucose levels, relatively few studies have investigated their role in diabetes control and prevention. Nuts are low in available carbohydrate, have a healthy fatty acid profile, and are high in vegetable protein, fiber and magnesium. Acute feeding studies indicate that when eaten alone nuts have minimal effects on raising postprandial blood glucose levels. In addition, when nuts are consumed with carbohydrate rich foods, they blunt the postprandial glycemic response of the carbohydrate meal. Despite the success of these acute studies, only a limited number of trials have been conducted with nuts in type 2 diabetes. These studies have either been of insufficient duration to observe changes in HbA1c, as the standard measure of glycemic control, or have been underpowered. Therefore, more long-term clinical trials are required to examine the role of nuts on glycemic control in patients with prediabetes and diabetes. Overall, there are good reasons to justify further exploration of the use of nuts in the prevention of diabetes and its micro-and macrovascular complications.