Do you think eating peanuts will make you gain weight? Think again! A fascinating short term overfeeding study(1) has debunked the myth that polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) found in peanuts and seed oils magically lead to weight gain and increased hunger. In fact, it's the opposite! Let's break down this sensational research and discover why peanuts aren't as bad as people make them out to be.
Researchers conducted a study to compare the effects of snacking on candy (fast-acting carbohydrates) and peanuts (rich in fat and protein). They measured basal metabolic rate (BMR) and cardiovascular risk factors before and after participants consumed either candy or peanuts for two weeks. BMR is the number of calories your body needs to function while resting – it's basically the energy needed for you to breathe and stay alive.
The study found that short term energy intake increased similarly for both groups, but only the candy group experienced a significant increase in body weight and waist circumference. LDL cholesterol (the "bad" cholesterol) and ApoB/ApoA-1-ratio (a marker of cardiovascular risk) were also higher in the candy group compared to the peanut group. Surprisingly, BMR increased only in the peanut group.
What’s really interesting is that the peanut group consumed much more PUFA, about 5 times more(41 grams per day versus 8 grams per day), and MUFA(Monounsaturated Fatty Acids), about 3 times more(70 grams per day versus 24 grams per day), than the candy group, but they didn't gain weight. The saturated fats were relatively similar in both groups with peanuts having slightly higher palmitic acid. This is crucial information because it shows that the notion of PUFAs put forward by many diet charlatans and zealous influencers cause increased hunger and weight gain is false.
This study also highlights the importance of food structure and how it impacts digestion and metabolism. Peanuts, despite their high PUFA content, did not contribute to weight gain or negative metabolic effects. On the contrary, they helped increase BMR, indicating that your body burns more calories while resting. The scientists speculate that the rise in BMR in the peanut group could be due to an increase in physical movement or the thermic effect of food, which is the energy your body uses to digest and process the food you eat.
Now let's talk about Energy Pods, a convenient, delicious, and nutritious meal replacement made with quality ingredients like nuts, seeds, and healthy fats. They're a perfect example of how incorporating healthy fats and proteins into your diet can actually benefit your health and metabolism while supporting quality science and human betterment.
In conclusion, the notion that seed oils and PUFAs cause weight gain and increased hunger is false. This study discredits those diet charlatans who spread misinformation and fearmongering about the dangers of PUFAs. Instead of falling for their alternative junk products and services and putting our health in their palms, we should focus on incorporating healthy, PUFA and MUFA-rich foods like peanuts and Energy Pods into our diets for better health.
So the next time someone tells you that peanuts or seed oils will make you gain weight or get hungrier, just remember this study and enjoy your Energy Pods guilt-free!
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