Eating nuts everyday could reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by nearly 40 per cent, breakthrough research has revealed.

    Experts have revealed just a 1oz portion is enough to slash the risk of developing the potentially dangerous condition, which is linked to limb amputation, kidney failure and blindness.

    Almonds, macadamias, pistachios, walnuts and cashews all have properties to protect against type 2 diabetes while raising levels of good cholesterol and reducing inflammation, experts have said.

    A study in the journal Diabetes Care previously revealed nuts have benefits for both blood glucose control and blood lipids and may be used to improve diabetes control without weight gain.

    Dr David Jenkins, from the University of Toronto Department of Nutritional Sciences said: "The study indicates that nuts can provide a specific food option for people with Type 2 diabetes wishing to reduce their carbohydrate intake." A study reported in BMC Medicine analysed the medical records of 800,000 people. The figures revealed that eating at least 20g - the equivalent of a handful - of nuts a day can also reduce risk of heart disease by 30 per cent, cancer by 15 per cent and half the deaths from respiratory disease such as lung disease.

Source: QNA