People who regularly eat nuts are less likely to be overweight or obese, according to a new study. Those who consume the healthy snack were found to have a five per cent lower risk of carrying extra pounds compared to those who didn't.
Researchers discovered that participants in their study gained an average of almost five pounds by the end of five years, but those who eat nuts routinely gained less weight. The study's senior investigator even suggested nuts should replace animal fats.
Researchers from the university and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) examined the diets and weight of 373,000 adults aged between 25 and 70 from 10 European countries.
Many people often believe that nuts might lead to greater weight gain because of their high fat content, but Dr Sabaté noted that the fat levels are almost entirely comprised of 'good fats.'
He says they also provide a healthy dose of protein, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals that can help boost energy.
Nuts have also been linked to producing healthy aging benefits in seniors in a previous study by Dr Sabaté. Nuts that were included in this study were peanuts, almonds, hazelnuts, pistachios, and walnuts.
The recent study was published in the European Journal of Nutrition. Interest in a plant-based diet – championed by celebrities including Jared Leto, Gwyneth Paltrow and Mike Tyson – has grown recently as research suggests it is beneficial for heart health and even lowers the risk of certain cancers.
