In January 2019 researchers from Iran published the results of their study to assess the association between cashew nuts and risk of cardiovascular disease in individuals with diabetes type 2. A total of 50 individuals with diabetes type 2 received either an intervention diet, where 10% of the calories came from cashew nuts, or a control diet for a period of 8 weeks. Weight, fasting blood glucose, insulin concentration and sensitivity and lipid profile were assessed both at the start and end of the study. Results showed that insulin and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol-to-high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol ratio significantly decreased in those consuming the cashew nuts when compared to the control group (a higher ratio is associated with a greater risk of atherosclerosis). However, it was noted that neither the intervention nor control diets appeared to produce any significant difference in weight, BMI or waist circumference.
Darvish Damavandi R et al. Effects of Daily Consumption of Cashews on Oxidative Stress and Atherogenic Indices in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized, Controlled-Feeding Trial. Int J Endocrinol Metab. 2019 Jan 23;17(1):e70744