A recent study from the University of South Australia found that adding nuts to a calorie-restricted diet aimed at weight loss does not impede weight loss and may actually lead to positive results. The research analysed the results of seven randomised controlled trials focused on energy-restricted diets, examining weight changes and glycaemic control.
According to UniSA researcher Professor Alison Coates, studies have consistently shown that adding nuts to the diet does not lead to weight gain. She stressed that nuts are rich in nutrients and should be included in weight loss plans as they do not adversely affect weight loss efforts.
“People often avoid eating nuts when trying to lose weight, because they think the energy and fat they contain may contribute to weight gain,” Professor Coates said.
Researchers examined seven studies and found that consuming 42-84 grams of nuts in an energy-restricted (ER) diet resulted in greater weight loss than an ER diet without nuts in four of these studies. The weight gained with the nut-enriched ER diet ranged from an additional 1.4 to 7.4 kg. This benefit is due to the effectiveness of nuts in reducing appetite, highlighting their potential to enhance weight loss results when included in a calorie-controlled diet.
“If concerns about weight gain were discouraging people from eating nuts – rest assured this is not the case. Nuts do not cause weight gain. Furthermore, they do not adversely affect weight loss, but rather aid in it,” Professor Coates said.
According to study co-author Dr. Sharayah Carter, “For people who choose to eat nuts, knowing that they can help meet weight loss goals, while also improving overall health, is a huge benefit. “This is also great for healthcare professionals, who can feel confident recommending nuts in the context of a healthy diet, without concern about adverse effects on weight.”
(With IANS inputs)
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