This study, carried out by the University of Wollongong, is the first to analyze nut consumption in Australia, including whole nuts and nuts incorporated into other foods. The study aimed to examine nut consumption in the 2011-12 National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey (NNPAS) and to investigate associations between nut intake, nutrient intake, anthropometric and blood pressure measurements. The NNPAS collected data from 12,153 participants, who were representative of the Australian population of 21,526,456 at the time of the survey.
Among participants, the average amount of nuts eaten was 4.6 g per day; this increased to 11.75 g of nuts a day when the analysis focused on ‘nut consumers’. Researchers found that a higher nut consumption was associated with higher intakes of fiber, vitamin E, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus. Eating nuts was not associated with higher body weight, body mass index (BMI) or waist circumference.
These results suggest that substantial increases in nut consumption are required to reach the intake level associated with improved health outcomes which is 30 g a day.
The University of Wollongong analysis was funded by Nuts for Life, Australia’s leading tree nut nutrition education body. The INC funded the Nuts for Life dissemination activities of the study through the Annual Call for Promotion and Dissemination Projects (2018).
Among participants, the average amount of nuts eaten was 4.6 g per day; this increased to 11.75 g of nuts a day when the analysis focused on ‘nut consumers’. Researchers found that a higher nut consumption was associated with higher intakes of fiber, vitamin E, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus. Eating nuts was not associated with higher body weight, body mass index (BMI) or waist circumference.
These results suggest that substantial increases in nut consumption are required to reach the intake level associated with improved health outcomes which is 30 g a day.
The University of Wollongong analysis was funded by Nuts for Life, Australia’s leading tree nut nutrition education body. The INC funded the Nuts for Life dissemination activities of the study through the Annual Call for Promotion and Dissemination Projects (2018).
See full study.