Nuts About Health: Experts Debunk fears They Lead to Weight Gain
London, UK – Contrary to popular belief, regularly consuming nuts will not lead to weight gain, leading nutritionists have revealed, emphasizing their crucial role in supporting overall nutrition, including brain and immunity function. The experts are urging a return to prioritizing nutrient-dense,fresh foods and minimizing sugary,fatty snacks.
“We need to get back to the basics of snackin’ on and cooking nutrient-dense fresh foods and minimising sugary, fatty snacks,” says a nutritionist. “In an ideal world, people should be able to get all the nutrients they need from their diets.” This comes as concerns about healthy snacking and balanced diets continue to grow,with many individuals seeking guidance on optimal nutrition for both physical and cognitive wellbeing.
The call for a focus on whole foods is underpinned by the NHSS guidance on a balanced diet, which includes:
* Eating at least 5 portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables every day.All fresh, frozen, dried and canned fruit and vegetables count.
* Basing meals on potatoes, bread, rice, pasta or other starchy carbohydrates, ideally wholegrain.
* Consuming 30 grams of fibre a day – equivalent to 5 portions of fruit and vegetables, 2 whole-wheat cereal biscuits, 2 thick slices of wholemeal bread and a large baked potato with the skin on.
* Including some dairy or dairy alternatives (such as soya drinks), choosing lower fat and lower sugar options.
* Eating some beans, pulses, fish, eggs, meat and other proteins (including 2 portions of fish every week, one of which should be oily).
* Choosing unsaturated oils and spreads and consuming them in small amounts.
* Drinking 6-8 cups/glasses of water a day.
* Limiting salt intake to less than 6g a day and saturated fat to 20g for women or 30g for men.
Source: NHS Eatwell Guide
