Diet expert Dr Michael Mosley has shared the best snack to turn to when you're craving sweet treats.
Speaking during his BBC Sounds podcast, the nutrition guru and founder of the 5:2 diet detailed an afternoon snack that he reaches for regularly.
"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", he said.
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."
The expert went to far as to call nuts "nutritional power-houses," explaining that they are full for fibre, and more importantly, polyphenols, which feeds gut bacteria and reduces inflammation, Wales Online reports.
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 the pounds over a five-year period. The research also showed including nuts in your diet can lower 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 bodyweight, 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 to sugary snacks such as chocolate of biscuits. The sweet treats often leave you craving more, with nuts having more protein to keep you fuller for longer.
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our newsletter here.
