A handful of walnuts may help lose weight

Walnuts can alter the way our brains view food and impact appetites, say researchers

A handful of walnuts may be an effective weight loss tool.

Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and other substances and, in moderation, have been linked to reduced risk of obesity and diabetes. They may also efficiently reduce appetite.

Researchers now may have found out why. They had nine hospitalised obese patients drink, on five consecutive days, either a smoothie containing 48 grams of walnuts (1.7 ounces, or about 14 walnut halves and 315 calories) or a placebo smoothie identical in taste and calorie content. Then, after a month on their regular diet, the patients returned for a second five-day trial,