Walnut wonder: Eat this superfood to lose weight

A diet rich in walnuts may not increase the risk of obesity in healthy adults.

LOS ANGELES: A diet rich in walnuts may not lead to weight gain or increase the risk of obesity, a study conducted in healthy elders claims.

The study, published in the journal Nutrients, found that healthy elders consuming nearly 300 calories of walnuts daily did not show any negative effects on body weight and composition.

The findings by researchers at Loma Linda University (LLU) in the US also expand the knowledge of how nuts can affect the independently living, predominantly healthy, elderly people.


"There is a widespread fallacy that the fats in nut cause weight gain, and therefore could lead to issues such as obesity, or other weight-related health issues such as heart disease or diabetes," said Edward Bitok, an assistant professor at Loma Linda University.

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Available in different combinations,it is a healthy treat as most of the ingredients are either dried or baked, and contain little to no oil or fat.
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Beaten rice (chivda) is the main ingredient in poha. When lightly roasted, it can be mixed with various spices and consumed as a healthy snack all through the day.
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A container of masala chickpeas packs several vitamins, minerals, dietary fibre and protein, keeping one fuller for longer.
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Quinoa has become popular over the years both as a superfood and a versatile ingredient. Native to South America, it is prepared by being boiled in water. The nutrient-rich grain is mostly consumed as part of a salad, but there are treats such as quinoa puffs that are equally healthy and delicious.
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A favourite among gym goers and fitness aficionados, muesli or granola bars are the perfect choice that also boost the metabolism. A great alternative to candy bars, they can satiate anyone's sweet tooth or sudden cravings without any adverse effects to health.

Muesli bars are made up of refined flour, hazelnut, cashew, almond, dark chocolate, honey, oats, butter, and sugar.
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"The research, however, shows that nuts are a healthful snack," Bitok said.

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During the study, healthy elders -- with mean age of 69 years and 67 per cent women -- were randomly assigned to walnut or control diets.

Subjects in the walnut group received packaged walnuts, about 28-56 grammes per day, to incorporate into their habitual diet, while those in the control group abstained from walnuts.

After two years, no significant differences were noticed between the control and walnut groups regarding body weight or body fat, researchers said.
Include almonds, walnuts in your diet to ward off colon cancer relapse

"Because of their high energy content, many people have believed the misconception that nuts cause unwanted weight gain, and avoid them altogether," said Bitok.

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"This study helps us understand more about good fats versus bad fats and disproves the idea that the fats in nuts are unhealthy and cause weight-gain," he said.

The study was a sub-study of the Walnuts and Healthy Aging Study (WAHA), the first large study to test if walnuts play a part in healthy ageing.

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The WAHA study tested how daily consumption of walnuts was associated with age-related cognitive decline and macular degeneration in seniors.

Prior studies examining walnut consumption and body weight have focused on younger individuals and for shorter durations, researchers said.

Beat The Hunger Pangs: Eat Nuts, Papaya For A Good Morning
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You wake up feeling ravenously hungry and wonder what to eat. Have a glass or two of water, preferably warm, and reach for any of these. (Text: Ayush Rekha)

You wake up feeling ravenously hungry and wonder what to eat. Have a glass or two of water, preferably warm, and reach for any of these. (Text: Ayush Rekha)

It is loaded with electrolytes and great for your digestive tract.

It is loaded with electrolytes and great for your digestive tract.

It contains potassium, lycopene, beta carotene and vitamins A and C. It also works as a cleanser.

It contains potassium, lycopene, beta carotene and vitamins A and C. It also works as a cleanser.

Nutrient-rich honey can boost your immune system and also help release the happy hormone serotonin, which makes you feel energised.

Nutrient-rich honey can boost your immune system and also help release the happy hormone serotonin, which makes you feel energised.

Dry fruits can bring about the right pH balance. Almonds (better soaked) and dates are a good bet.

Dry fruits can bring about the right pH balance. Almonds (better soaked) and dates are a good bet.

Rich in vitamin C, it is an immunity booster. It is good for your skin and hair. You can munch on gooseberries or have them as juice as well.

Rich in vitamin C, it is an immunity booster. It is good for your skin and hair. You can munch on gooseberries or have them as juice as well.

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