The researchers concluded that snacking on pistachio nuts has beneficial effects on glycaemic control, blood pressure, obesity and inflammation markers in diabetic patients.

Nuts are also characterised by a low glycaemic index, which describes the rate at which the body absorbs carbohydrates.

A study published in the journal Metabolism even found that adding certain nuts on the side of white bread or pasta can slow the speed of carbohydrate absorption.

This in return helped to avoid spikes in blood sugar as the levels were rising more slowly.