Snacking on almonds can contribute to enhanced heart health and improved cholesterol levels. In a recent study spanning nine months, the initial three months involved adhering to a reduced-calorie diet, followed by six months of maintenance. One group integrated 15 percent of their daily calorie intake with almonds, while the other group consumed an equivalent calorie portion from carbohydrate-based snacks like fruit cereal bars and rice crackers.
Both groups achieved a weight loss of approximately 15 pounds (equivalent to 7 kilograms) during the initial phase of shedding pounds. Nevertheless, the almond-consuming group experienced notable alterations in their atherogenic lipoprotein subfractions. Although these terms might not be immediately familiar, the individuals who included almonds in their diet managed to reduce their levels of small triglyceride-rich particles and small LDL particles. These components are of considerable importance in maintaining cardiometabolic health and preventing heart disease.
As the study’s author emphasizes, “Nuts contain unsaturated fats, also known as healthy fats, which can positively impact blood cholesterol levels, alleviate inflammation, and contribute to the overall well-being of the heart.”