Prof. Tapsell highlighted that nutrition is essentially a matter of balance. It is important to get a balanced intake of bioactive compounds (enough nutrients from food) and a balanced intake of energy (sufficient amount and types of foods in the diet) in order to maintain a healthy body weight. Following with the body weight topic, she asked the next question to the audience: Does eating nuts make you fat? The answer is no, as long as you consume the recommended amounts. Nuts are generally known as a high fat food but they deliver good fats and they are also a good plant protein source. Scientific studies have observed that people who eat nuts regularly tend to eat diets that do not increase body weight. Nuts are high in fiber, good fats and they also contain plant-based protein, vitamins and minerals. Due to their nutritional composition, nuts may help to increase satiety levels and therefore they may help prevent weight gain.
 
Prof. Tapsell also presented some scientific studies which concluded that nuts may help reduce the risk factors of cardiovascular disease (high blood pressure, high LDL “bad” cholesterol, inflammation, etc.) which have been also associated with increased body fat.

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