A review of the effects of nuts on appetite, food intake, metabolism, and body weight

Am J Clin Nutr. 2014 Jul:100 Suppl 1:412S-22S. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.113.071456. Epub 2014 Jun 11.

Abstract

Tree nuts and peanuts are good sources of many nutrients and antioxidants, but they are also energy dense. The latter often limits intake because of concerns about their possible contribution to positive energy balance. However, evidence to date suggests that nuts are not associated with predicted weight gain. This is largely due to their high satiety value, leading to strong compensatory dietary responses, inefficiency in absorption of the energy they contain, a possible increment in resting energy expenditure, and an augmentation of fat oxidation. Preliminary evidence suggests that these properties are especially evident when they are consumed as snacks.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Appetite*
  • Diet*
  • Dietary Fats / metabolism*
  • Energy Intake
  • Energy Metabolism*
  • Feeding Behavior
  • Humans
  • Nuts*
  • Plant Preparations / therapeutic use
  • Satiety Response*
  • Weight Gain*

Substances

  • Dietary Fats
  • Plant Preparations