January 30/Islamabad, Pakistan/Right Vision News -- A new study has suggested that eating almonds could help in preventing diabetes and heart disease.

Scientists conducted study at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and discovered that including the nuts into the diet could help treat type 2 diabetes. As well as combating the condition, linked to obesity and physical inactivity, it could tackle cardiovascular disease, they said.

Diabetics have a shortage of insulin or a decreased ability to use the hormone that allows glucose to enter cells and be converted to energy, a private TV channel reported.

When diabetes is not controlled, glucose and fats remain in the blood and over time, damage vital organs. The latest study showed that a diet rich in almonds may help improve insulin sensitivity and decrease LDL-cholesterol levels in those with pre-diabetes, a condition in which people have blood glucose levels higher than normal but not high enough to be classified as diabetes.

From the February 7, 2011, Prepared Foods E-dition