Almonds best for reducing hunger pangs without piling on the pounds

A new study has found that people who eat 1.5 ounces of dry-roasted, lightly salted almonds every day experience reduced hunger and improved dietary vitamin E and monounsaturated ("good") fat intake without increasing body weight.

Snacking has become nearly universal behavior in the United States, with an estimated 97 percent of Americans consuming at least one snack per day.

In light of increasing snacking frequency and snack size among US adults, combined with continued increases in obesity rates and widespread nutrient shortfalls, it becomes increasingly important to identify snacks that pose little risk for weight gain while providing health benefits.

Snacking reportedly increases risk for weight gain, but this broad generalization may mask different responses to select foods.

The newly published randomized, controlled clinical study, led by researchers at Purdue University, investigated the effects of almond snacking on weight and appetite.

"This research suggests that almonds may be a good snack option, especially for those concerned about weight," Richard Mattes, PhD, MPH, RD, distinguished professor of nutrition science at Purdue University and the study's principal investigator, said.

"In this study, participants compensated for the additional calories provided by the almonds so daily energy intake did not rise and reported reduced hunger levels and desire to eat at subsequent meals, particularly when almonds were consumed as a snack," he said.

The findings are published the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition.