Weight loss can be an uphill struggle for many people. With many diets to choose from, people often don’t know which would suit them. Snacking is one of the huge problems people face when trying to lose weight and an expert has revealed how eating this one snack regularly can help with the weight loss journey.
Almonds contain lots of healthy fats, fibre, protein, magnesium and vitamin E.
The health benefits of almonds include lower blood sugar levels, reduced blood sugar and lower cholesterol levels.
They can also reduce hunger and promote weight loss.
Speaking to the Express.co.uk Dr Deborah Lee, Dr Fox Online said: “Many people remain unaware that eating nuts regularly has health benefits and can help them lose weight.
READ MORE: Adele shocks with incredible weight loss in new picture – how the star lost over 8st
Weight loss: Eating a portion of almonds a day can help contribute to weight loss (Image: Getty)
She explains that during a 2014 study, a group of 108 women who were overweight or obese were studied closely.
They were divided into two groups and both groups were asked to follow a calorie controlled diet for three months.
“One group was also asked to eat 50g almonds per day,” Dr Deborah Lee explained.
“After the study, both groups had lost weight. However, weight loss was significantly greater in the almond-eating group compared to the non-nut eaters.
DON’T MISS:
Sirtfood diet: What you can eat on the diet behind Adele’s weight loss – food list
Melania Trump’s diet trick that could help you to live longer and satisfy sweet cravings
Top tips to lose weight by improving your digestive system
“The average weight loss in the almond group was 3.68 Kg compared 1.27 Kg in the non-nut group.”
The group who ate almonds also showed significantly lower cholesterol, just one health benefit of eating almonds.
READ RELATED: Don’t skip breakfast to lose weight – eat specific foods to burn belly fat instead
Dr Deborah Lee explains how nuts are high in protein and fibre.
She said: “They help you feel fuller for longer. It has been suggested they may lead to an increase in your resting expenditure (thermogenesis) although this has not been proven.”
<img class="lazy" src="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/126/590x/secondary/The-health-benefits-of-almonds-include-lower-blood-sugar-levels-reduced-blood-sugar-and-lower-cholesterol-levels-2455507.jpg?r=1588891050336" alt="The health benefits of almonds include lower blood sugar levels, reduced blood sugar and lower cholesterol levels” title=”The health benefits of almonds include lower blood sugar levels, reduced blood sugar and lower cholesterol levels” data-w=”590″ data-h=”350″>
The health benefits of almonds include lower blood sugar levels (Image: Getty)
A lot of people tend to avoid snacking on nuts as they are high in calories.
However Dr Deborah Lee states that eating a handful of nuts every day is a healthy snack which can aid weight loss.
Healthline suggests that because of the high amount of fibre found in almonds and all nuts in general, they keep you fuller for longer.
Both protein and fibre are known to increase feelings of fullness. This can help you eat fewer calories which in turn, will help aid weight loss.
In order to lose weight your diet needs to be in a calorie deficit. This means your body is burning more calories than you are consuming.
The NHS recommends losing around one to two pounds a week but everyone’s body is different and everyone has a different metabolism and weight loss can differ from person to person.
Nuts, including almonds contain several nutrients that your body struggles to break down and digest.
A portion of almonds does not count towards your five a day due to their high fat content.
However, according to BBC Good Food, a healthy portion would appear to be around 20g-50g a day for adults incorporated into a balanced diet.
Your body does not absorb ten to 15 percent of the calories in nuts. Due to their satiating properties, nuts are a great addition to an effective weight loss diet.
The benefits of eating almonds help stretch much further than weight loss but incorporated into a healthy diet plan can help achieve results.
Source: Daily Express | Diet
