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Effect of Walnut Predinner Snack on Mealtime Hunger and Nutrient Intake Among University Students
Ted Wilson1, Lauren S DeVaan1, Michelle E LaCasse1
1Department of Biology and Winona State University, Winona, Minnesota, USA.
Journal of Medicinal Food
|October 29, 2021
Summary
A premeal walnut snack may help university students manage weight gain by reducing calorie and fat intake during subsequent meals. This finding supports walnuts for increased satiety, potentially aiding in controlling food consumption.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Behavioral Science
- Public Health
Background:
- The Freshman-15 phenomenon describes weight gain in first-year university students.
- This weight gain is linked to changes in eating patterns and increased stress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if a premeal walnut snack influences eating behavior and nutrient intake.
- To assess the impact of a walnut snack on subsequent meal consumption in a university student population.
Main Methods:
- Healthy university students (n=36) participated in a randomized controlled trial.
- Participants consumed either walnuts, gummy candy, or no snack 90 minutes before a buffet-style dinner.
- Visual analog scales (VAS) and caloric intake were measured.
Main Results:
- Walnut snacks reduced premeal desire to eat and increased satiety compared to no snack.
- Mealtime intake of calories, total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, protein, sodium, fiber, and sugar was significantly lower after a walnut snack than no snack.
- No significant differences in total fat and sodium intake were observed after gummy candy compared to no snack.
Conclusions:
- A premeal walnut snack can lead to reduced calorie and nutrient intake during a subsequent meal.
- Walnuts may promote satiety and help mitigate excessive food consumption in university students.
- Walnut snacks show potential for managing weight gain associated with the Freshman-15.
