Objectives and Measurements:~a. Primary Objective: To evaluate the effect of almond supplementation on cognitive functions Co-primary Objective: To evaluate changes in neuroimaging (blood flow, and the expression of functional brain networks during cognitive demands) using functional MRI.~Flow of Study Procedures~This will be a randomized controlled parallel arm study on free living Asian Indians, selected based on inclusion criteria.~Sample size: 60 (n, 30 in each arm)~After recruitment subjects would enter the run-in period for 2 weeks when they would be given standard diet and lifestyle modification counseling formulated according to guidelines for Asian Indians.~Subjects would be screened again just for inclusion/exclusion criteria at the end of the run-in period and would be randomized either to the experimental group or control group~Composition of diets:~i. Intervention group: Individualized diets incorporating almonds, 20% energy. Macronutrient composition: Carbohydrates,49%en., fats,32%en., and proteins, 19%en.~ii. Control group: Isocaloric diet. Macronutrient composition: Carbohydrates,50%en., fats, 35%en., proteins,15%en.~The diet (as above) and lifestyle modification will be continued in both groups for 6 months with rigorous compliance~Compliance Checks: The diet (as above) and lifestyle modification will be continued in both groups for 6 months with rigorous compliance check .~Compliance for the intervention in all the subjects (control and intervention group) will be checked by taking following measures:~Biweekly telephonic calls. During these telephonic calls compliance to diet, exercise, almond intake, adverse event or any problem with the intervention will be assessed. Calls will be recorded in a call log and subject compliance (consumption of almonds) will be recorded in the proforma.~Text messages reminding intake of almonds (weekly) and face-to-face interactions (once every month, at least 20 min each session) discussing problems if any.
Initial Recruitment and Sensitization: In this free-living randomized control parallel arm study of 24 weeks of almond intervention, we shall recruit apparently healthy middle aged (age range 40-60 years)prediabetic Asian Indians having fasting blood glucose ≥100mg/dl and <126 mg/dl and /or 2-h plasma glucose ≥140mg/dl and <200mg/dl (after ingestion of 75-gram anhydrous oral glucose).