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Walnuts: control of appetite by activating certain regions of the brain
Nuts are among the most valuable foods. They have a positive effect on the metabolism and are suitable for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. In one study, scientists have shown that nuts in particular are well suited to help weight loss in a diet in which they trigger a positive sensation of satiety.
For the first time, researchers at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) were able to demonstrate the neurocognitive effects of nut consumption in their current study. They discovered that nut consumption activates a region of the brain responsible for controlling hunger and cravings. The researchers published their findings in the journal "Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism".
Brain activity in studied nut consumption
Scientists have used the functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) imaging technique to determine how nuts work in the brain. They could observe the activity in the brain and determine which brain regions are activated when consuming nuts. Ten obese volunteers were transferred to the clinic for a five-day study period during which they followed a strictly controlled diet. Scientists were therefore not obliged to rely on the data of the subjects on their food consumption, but could understand it exactly.
Topics received smoothie with walnuts or drink Placcebo
During a five-day session, subjects received daily smoothies containing 48 grams of nuts (recommended by the American Diabetes Association). During a second period of study, they received a placebo smoothie flavored with nut smoothie, but comparable from a nutritional point of view. The order of the two periods of study was randomly selected, so some participants consumed the nuts first and others the placebo. "Neither volunteers nor researchers knew during which session they had received the nut smoothie," says BIDMC in a press release about the results of the ongoing study.
Less hunger after eating nuts
As in previous observational studies, subjects in this study indicated that they were less hungry during the week they received the nut smoothies. According to the scientists, during the research carried out by functional magnetic resonance tomography on the fifth day of the experiment, the reasons could be determined. Subjects showed after eating nuts when viewing images containing tasty rather unhealthy foods and less tasty foods rather healthy, significantly increasing activity in the region of the brain, called insula.
Activation of the insula
Researchers say that the activated area of the insula is probably involved in cognitive control of the decision to eat certain foods. As a result, participants focused more on food choices and opted for healthier and less appealing options. The researchers point out that there is no ambiguity in the results of the study.
"When participants eat nuts, this part of their brains shine and we know that this is what the subjects said: they are less hungry and are more comfortable," said Christos Mantzoros, head of the school. ;study.
Influence of food on cerebral activity
"We do not often think about the influence of our diet on the activity of our brain," says Olivia M. Farr, author of the study, Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and the metabolism of BIDMC. The present study clearly shows that there is also evidence of brain activity for well-being and decreased hunger after eating nuts. In other words, ingested foods have direct neurocognitive consequences on the brain, which in turn have a significant impact on dietary behavior.
In a next step, researchers plan to test different amounts or doses of nuts to see if more nuts lead to greater activation of the brain or if after a certain amount, maximum effect is achieved. In addition, the neurocognitive effect of other foods should also be studied. (Fp)
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