Here’s a nugget of wisdom for you from the health nuts at Harvard: chuck out the junk food and invite some nuts to your party, especially if you’re dancing through the middle-age tango.
A robust study tracking the nibbles and bits of 300,000 folks over twenty summers and winters has cracked a tough nut: a daily dollop (that’s 14 grams) of nuts can actually fend off the dreaded middle-age spread.
So what’s the secret squirrel strategy? It’s all about almonds. Juliette Kellow, a wizard with a diet plan and a registered dietitian, spills the beans: “Almonds aren’t just a snack; they’re a powerhouse.
Scoop up a handful (about 28 grams) and you’re munching on 6 grams of protein that’ll pep you up, and enough vitamin E to hit 60% of your daily goal.
And it’s not just about keeping your trousers from tightening—there’s solid science showing almonds are ace at managing weight.”
But the Harvard hustle doesn’t stop with a general nod to all nuts. It zeroes in on almonds with a few spotlight studies:
- Weight Management: A four-week tango with 43 grams of almonds daily didn’t tip the scales more than skipping them altogether.
- Belly-fat Be Gone & Cholesterol Check: Swap your cookie for a crunchy 42 grams of almonds, and not only could your belly fat shrink, but your cholesterol levels might tap dance to a healthier tune.
- The Appetite Tango: If the mid-morning munchies strike, reaching for 42 grams of almonds instead of the ghosting game can curb your hunger, steering you away from overindulging later.
Who knew that such tiny titans could pack a punch against the spread? Whether you’re trying to keep your figure or just eat healthier, tossing some almonds into your daily diet might just be the secret crunch you need.