(03-09-13) Eat your way to weight loss with almonds

by Sandeep Godiyal

(NaturalNews) Obesity is a perennial issue that is affecting people of all age groups. If the popularity of weight loss reality shows and the continued patronage of the various slimming pills is any indication, then America has a huge problem. A study published in the Journal of Obesity reveals the benefits of eating almonds as far as weight loss is concerned. This is surprising news as people who have been trying to cut down on their food intake have been searching for snack alternatives other than nuts because of their high fat and calorie content.


Check how almonds can help you to maintain a healthy weight:
Studies reveal otherwise
Studies conducted by a group of researchers lead by Michelle Wien, Dr. P.H., R.D., show that almonds can help in weight loss. Researchers mention almonds being dense in nutrients. A well-nourished body does not usually crave for food. If one maintains an unhealthy diet, the brain will always send hunger signals to the body, thus resulting in binge eating and eventually increase in weight.

Regularly eating almonds will help break that cycle. Almonds can effectively help suppress the cravings and the individual will feel "fuller." These nuts contain monounsaturated fat, protein, and fiber which contribute to minimizing hunger pangs.


What almonds contain
Almonds are a rich source of protein and a wise alternative to red meat and eggs. Studies reveal that an ounce of almonds actually contains almost the same percentage of protein that lean meat has. What makes almonds a healthier alternative than meat is the high fiber content. Fibrous foods can effectively prevent fats and calories to be absorbed by your body. Wien says that fiber will bind the fat thus preventing it from reaching the intestinal wall and instead will be flushed out.

Almonds contain oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat. It is commonly found in olive oil and is a huge contributor to decreasing the body's cholesterol levels. Studies conducted at the University of Toronto show that the subjects who ate at least an ounce of almonds every day were found to have their LDL (low density lipoprotein or "bad cholesterol") cholesterol levels dramatically decreased. This will lower the risks of a person incurring heart-related conditions.

Nuts, particularly almonds, are rich in Vitamin E which has anti-oxidant properties that play a key role in preventing the occurrence of heart ailments. One ounce of almonds daily provides about 40% of the body's daily requirement of Vitamin E.

There are also studies that confirm how almonds can help in protecting the body from developing cancer. The phytochemicals found in nuts are biologically active compounds that effectively prevent the formation of tumors.


More than just for losing weight
With the many active ingredients nuts have, they have been proven to provide a lot of health benefits other than the most recognizable benefits of almonds for weight loss.

Sources for this article include:

http://www.whfoods.com

http://www.builtlean.com

http://lowcarbdiets.about.com

http://science.naturalnews.com

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