UniSA research reveals almonds can promote heart health and weight loss

The problem

Consumers know that almonds are healthy. Or do they? 

Misinformation about nutrition and weight loss is on the rise, exacerbated by the word's current state of 'information overload.' Social media—with its surplus of advertising, opinions and chatter—often obscures research-backed information. This environment has presented a challenge for the almond industry: finding a way to cut through the noise and effectively inform consumers. 

The solution

The Almond Board of California wanted to ensure that more consumers were aware of the health benefits of almonds. To achieve this, the group has funded a team at the University of South Australia (UniSA) to conduct studies exploring the health benefits of almonds. 

One such study, led by UniSA nutrition expert Professor Alison Coates, showed that almonds can be included effectively in an energy restricted diet as they do not prevent weight loss.

“Compared to participants in our nut-free group, those who did consume almonds showed a greater reduction in some types of cholesterol and better appetite regulation as well,” Prof Coates says.

“Overall, we found that a calorie-restricted diet, that included almond consumption, resulted in weight loss, along with heightened health markers conducive with cardiovascular wellbeing.

“Our ability to design a research study with high validity and reliability means we have contributed to growing scientific evidence that almonds can assist in weight loss and weight management.”

One of the researchers at the heart of the study, Dr Sharayah Carter, an adjunct research associate with UniSA, says the research gives consumers an incentive to incorporate almonds into their diet.

“Our participants who ate a handful of almonds a day reduced their overall food intake by 300 kilojoules per day,” Dr Carter says.

“That is a small change that will cause sustainable results.

Associate Director of nutrition research at the Almond Board of California, Elena Hemler, says the research collaboration with UniSA further substantiates the nutritional value and health benefits of almonds.

“The research by UniSA comes at a time where the impacts of economic instability and climate change are being felt by almond farmers across the globe,” Hemler says.

“UniSA’s research shows that a diet enriched with almonds can improve appetite regulation, assist with weight loss, increase diet quality, and enhanced heart health.

“This high-quality research further enhances our understanding of the health benefits of almonds, which is critical to our industry and to the health of our society.”

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