A recent study published in the Journal of Nutrition suggests that daily almond consumption for six months may enhance cognitive performance while improving metabolic markers in middle-aged adults with prediabetes.
Researchers conducted a randomized controlled trial to investigate the effects of daily almond consumption on cognitive performance in 60 middle-aged Asian Indians with prediabetes. Participants were assigned to either an almond group—which consumed almonds providing 20% of daily energy alongside diet—or a control group that ate a calorie-matched diet without almonds. Both groups followed an exercise plan during the study period.
After six months, the almond group showed significant improvements in executive function and processing speed compared to controls. These cognitive gains were accompanied by improvements in metabolic health, including reductions in weight, body mass index, waist circumference, and blood glucose markers, as well as lower oxidative stress and higher levels of vitamin E.
The findings suggest that almond consumption may support both cognitive and metabolic health in individuals with prediabetes.
This study was supported by the Almond Board of California.
Gulati, S., Misra, A., Tiwari, R., Pandey, R. M., & Sharma, M. (2026). Effects of 24-Week Almond Supplementation on Executive Function and Processing Speed in Middle-Aged Asian Indians with Prediabetes: An Open-Label Randomized Controlled Trial. The Journal of Nutrition, 101484. Advance online publication