Expert Dr Michael Mosley told dieters the best snack to grab when they have a sweet craving. The founder of the 5:2 diet shared the snack he often goes to when he's craving some chocolate.
During his BBC Sounds podcast, the nutrition guru said he often reaches for nuts as a great way to fight any unhealthy cravings during the day. He said: "I am craving some chocolate or perhaps a biscuit, but instead I am going for a protein-packed snack that can protect my heart, may stave off cancer, and give my brain a boost."
According to the Daily Record, the doctor went on to say that nuts often get "bad press" due to their high-fat content as well as causing life-threatening allergies for some. However, Dr Mosley said: "But if, like me, you are able to eat nuts, this is definitely one thing you should start doing today."
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The expert went as far as to call nuts "nutritional power-houses," explaining that they are full of fibre, and more importantly, polyphenols, which feed gut bacteria and reduce inflammation. Nuts are full of good, nutritionally valuable things such as unsaturated fats, fibre and protein. Further, nuts also have a number of compounds with anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Studies have also shown that nuts can slow the ageing process at the cellular level. Dr Michael Mosley also added that nuts have been associated with weight loss, with a previous study showing they helped shed pounds over a five-year period. The research also showed including nuts in your diet can lower the risk of becoming overweight or obese.
To discuss the benefits, Dr Mosley spoke to Dr Sze-Yen Tan from Deakin University in Australia. The pair detailed how there was no evidence nuts increase body weight, despite having a high-fat content.
They added: "Those with higher nut intake tend to have lower body weight or lower body fat, so many studies have repeatedly shown that incorporating nuts into the diet doesn't make you gain weight. When we eat nuts we feel fuller and consequently adjust our diets in the next meal."
It was recommended that adding 15-30 grams of nuts to your diet each day as a replacement for sugary snacks such as chocolate or biscuits. The sweet treats often leave you craving more, with nuts having more protein to keep you fuller for longer.
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