Incorporating almonds into a low-energy diet can help individuals lose weight and improve their overall cardiometabolic health, according to a study published in the journal Obesity. While nuts have often been criticized for their high fat content, researchers from the University of South Australia have found that consuming almonds can actually contribute to weight loss.
The study involved two groups of participants who were put on energy-restricted diets. One group was supplemented with Californian almonds, while the other group received carbohydrate-rich snacks. Both groups successfully lost approximately 7kg of body weight.
Overweight and obesity are major global health issues, affecting more than 1.9 billion people worldwide, including around 12.5 million adults in Australia alone. The study’s lead researcher, Dr. Sharayah Carter, emphasized the significance of incorporating nuts, like almonds, into the diet for weight control and improved cardiometabolic health.
Nuts are high in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, but their high fat content often deters individuals from including them in their weight loss plans. However, the fats found in nuts are primarily unsaturated fats, also known as healthy fats, which can actually improve blood cholesterol levels, reduce inflammation, and support a healthy heart.
The study compared the effects of an almond-supplemented diet with a nut-free diet and found that both diets resulted in a 9.3% reduction in body weight. However, the almond-supplemented diets showed statistically significant changes in certain lipoprotein subfractions, which are associated with improved cardiometabolic health in the long term.
Furthermore, consuming nuts can help individuals feel fuller for longer, which is beneficial for managing weight. Overall, this study suggests that incorporating almonds into a low-energy diet can be an effective strategy for weight loss and improving cardiometabolic health.
Sources:
– Obesity Journal Study
– University of South Australia
