Scientifically Proven: Nuts Are Not Fattening

23 Sep 2013 --- Leading scientists have released the latest results of the large scale trials related to nuts consumption and health, particularly in myocardial infarction, stroke and cardiovascular diseases.

Recent scientific studies show the benefits of regular intake of nuts, not only associated with cardiovascular health but also with renal function, diabetes, cognitive function, atherosclerosis, metabolic syndrome, inflammatory biomarkers, etc. It is important to highlight that scientific evidence demonstrates that eating nuts is not associated with a higher risk of weight gain, and even reinforce their importance as sources of key nutrients.

In the framework of the International Congress of Nutrition celebrated between 15th- 20th of September in Granada, the INC (International Nut and Dried Fruit Council) organizes the symposium “Nuts in Health and Disease” where five worldwide leading researchers have shared the latest findings.

Among the spotlight data presented, the study PREDIMED focuses on how a daily handful of nuts (15g of walnuts, 7.5g of hazelnuts, and 7.5g of almonds) reduces by 28% the incidence of cardiovascular disease (myocardial infarction, stroke and cardiovascular death).

Dr. Mònica Bulló, main researcher at EPIRDEM project, concluded that a regular intake of pistachios has a direct effect on the reduction of incidence of type 2 diabetes. Pistachios have been studied in relation to their lipid profile and other risk factors of cardiovascular disease, in order to evaluate their effect on glucose metabolism, insulin resistance and the risk of type 2 diabetes.

The key results of a epidemiological study on nuts and their effect on chronic diseases were presented by Professor Frank Hu, from Harvard University, showing how increasing nut consumption (≥ 5 times per week) is associated with a 30% lower risk of cardiovascular disease.

Linda Tapsell, Professor at Wollongong University, Australia, has announced that nut consumption is not associated with a higher risk of weight gain, and recommends nuts as part of the diet to prevent obesity and other chronic diseases.

Finally, Dr. Sabaté, Professor of Public Health at Loma Linda University, California, pioneer in the study of the health benefits of nuts has concluded: “Epidemiological data indicate that the inclusion of nuts in the diet represents a minimum risk for weight gain and this is supported by clinical studies".