Almonds against obesity: Study

Almonds rank near the top of fat-fighting foods, new scientific studies suggest.

Six almond-related research papers are slated for presentation next week at a meeting of the American Society of Nutrition in San Diego, the Newsmax Health reported.

"Presenting new research to this audience of scientists and health professionals is critical to turning the findings into practical application and recommendations, " said Karen Lapsley, M.D., chief science Officer for the Almond Board of California. "These results help to advance the evolution of our understanding of almonds' beneficial effects as part of a healthy diet."

Among the studies to be presented:

New research led by Carol O'Neil, M.D., of Louisiana State University, showing people who eat almond tend to have more nutritious diets and better health overall, compared to those who don't.  The findings are based on an analysis of 24,808 adults.

An analysis by Richard Mattes, M.D., from Purdue University who found people who eat 1.5 ounces of dry-roasted, lightly salted almonds daily had better appetite control and healthier blood sugar levels, as well as higher vitamin E and monounsaturated fat intake, than those who don't. 

A study by Penny-Kris Etherton, M.D., from Pennsylvania State University found eating a handful of almonds a day helped 52 adults with high cholesterols lose belly fat, reducing their risk for metabolic and cardiovascular problems.