A person can be said to be obese when they have too much body fat. The funny thing about obesity is that it is not just a cosmetic concern but a causative factor and an increased risk for so many other health diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure. Being extremely obese means you are especially likely to have health problems related to your weight. It can be caused by inactivity, unhealthy diet and eating habits, and it could also be genetic.
Obesity is diagnosed when your body mass index (BMI) is 30 or higher. Your body mass index is calculated by dividing your weight in kilograms (kg) by your height in meters (m) squared.
There’s ample research on foods and diet patterns that protect against heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and other chronic conditions. There is a good news. Many of the foods that help prevent disease also seem to help with weight control—foods like whole grains, fruits, vegetables and nuts. Conventional wisdom says that since a calorie is a calorie, regardless of its source, the best advice for weight control is simply to eat less and exercise more. Yet there are some emerging research that suggests some foods and eating patterns may make it easier to keep calories in check, while others may make people more likely to overeat.
The good news is that even modest weight loss can improve or prevent the health problems associated with obesity. Dietary changes, increased physical activity and behavior changes can help you lose weight. Prescription medications and weight-loss surgery are additional options for treating obesity. But here is one we want to talk about, nuts.
Dieters often dismiss them because of their high fat content, but research suggests that snacking on nuts can help keep you slim.
A study found that those who consumed varieties such as almonds, cashews and pistachios demonstrated a lower body weight, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference compared to non-consumers.
Nuts are good sources of healthy fats, protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. They also pack a fairly weighty caloric punch. First nuts suppress hunger, as well as the desire to eat. This is because nuts absorb moisture in the GI tract and fill you up. They also suppress appetite by providing a solid source on non-animal protein and have little to no impact on blood glucose levels.
Here are four (4) best nuts for losing weight
- Brazil nuts: This tiny but mighty nuts! For starters, it’s the richest known food source of selenium, with just two of the tiny nuts providing more than a day’s worth of the mineral. Selenium plays a key role in metabolism, immunity and reproductive health, also it helps the body absorb vitamin E, which can help ward off cataracts later in life. If you’ve tried them before you’ll likely agree that they have a rich, creamy flavor
Brazil Nuts - Almonds: Consuming a little more of these nuts can decrease weight more effectively than a snack comprised of complex carbohydrates and safflower oil. Almonds can actually help you burn more fat and carbs during workouts.
Almonds - Walnuts: walnuts are one of the best dietary sources. Sprinkle a handful on your morning oats or entree salad for belly-busting benefits.
Walnuts - Cashew butter: With a rich, smooth texture, cashew butter is slightly lower in calcium than other varieties, but can still pack a nutritional punch. It’s a good source of phosphorus, magnesium, calcium and copper, and shouldn’t be overlooked,” It’s packed with iron, essential vitamins and none of the bad stuff, making it ideal for an energy-boosting afternoon snack
Cashew Butter
