0
0
Researchers have found that incorporating almonds into a low-energy diet not only aids in weight loss but also enhances cardiometabolic health. The study, published in the journal Obesity, challenges the misconception that nuts, due to their high fat content, hinder weight loss efforts. The research from the University of South Australia reveals that almonds can be part of a weight loss regimen.
The study demonstrated that when energy-restricted diets were supplemented with Californian almonds or carbohydrate-rich snacks, both approaches resulted in an average weight reduction of approximately 7kg. With over 1.9 billion individuals worldwide classified as overweight (including 650 million who are obese), and in Australia where about two-thirds of adults (approximately 12.5 million) fall into this category, finding effective methods for weight management is crucial.
Dr. Sharayah Carter, a researcher at UniSA, emphasized the positive impact of nuts like almonds on weight control and cardiometabolic health. She explained, “Nuts, like almonds, are a great snack. They’re high in protein and fiber, rich in vitamins and minerals, but their higher fat content may be wrongly associated with weight gain.”
Dr. Carter further highlighted the presence of unsaturated fats, or healthy fats, in nuts, which can lead to improved blood cholesterol levels, reduced inflammation, and contribute to overall heart health. In the study, both the nut and nut-free diets resulted in a roughly 9.3 percent reduction in body weight over the trial period. However, the almond-supplemented diets also showed statistically significant changes in certain lipoprotein subfractions associated with atherogenic effects, potentially leading to long-term improvements in cardiometabolic health.
Furthermore, nuts offer the added benefit of promoting a prolonged feeling of fullness, which is advantageous when managing weight.
