Nuts can be put on a diet

Scientists in the US discovered nuts that can help dieters control energy intake and reduce cholesterol levels, according to Health 24.

A study conducted at Temple University, Philadelphia (USA) aims to understand the effects of nuts on dieters.

123 people who are completely healthy but overweight apply the control diet KJ (energy measurement unit) for 18 months. Women eat an energy intake of 5,040-6,300 KJ / day, while in men it is 5,040-7,560 KJ / day.

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Nuts can be put on a diet - (Photo: Shutterstock)

Half of these were randomly assigned to the group that ate two servings of nuts per day (about 28 g / serving), equivalent to 1,470 KJ / day; and the rest join the group that doesn't eat nuts.

Six months later, the non-nutritious group lost 7.2kg of weight, compared with 5.4kg in the nuts group.

However, after 18 months, both groups gained weight again and there was no clear difference in the weight of those who ate and didn't eat nuts.

An earlier study showed that nuts play a role in reducing the risk of heart disease. Therefore, the team examined the concentration of cholesterone and triglycerides in the two diet groups.

After 6 months, cholesterone in the nuts group lost an average of 8.7 mg / dL, compared with 0.1 mg / dL in the group that did not eat the nuts.

Both groups have cholesterone concentrations below the 200mg / dL limit recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

After 18 months, levels of cholesterone increased slightly in both groups, but increased less in the group that ate nuts.

Dr. Gary Foster, the head of the study, said the results suggest that nuts can be used in a weight control program. However, he notes that nuts do not cause weight loss.

According to a previous study, nuts are rich in magnesium, potassium, and vitamin E and are a good source of fiber and calcium.

The study was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.