About this episode

Nuts are high in fat and are energy dense. But does this mean regularly eating nuts leads to weight gain?

No, and in fact research suggests the opposite - eating nuts is not linked to weight gain. One of the reasons why is that not all the kilojoules in nuts are absorbed.

We speak with Cassandra Nikodijevic on the fascinating results of her PhD research into the metabolisable energy content of nuts. She explains the 'how' and the 'why', and talks us through the differences in kilojoule absorption between nut types and nut forms.

About today's guest

Cassandra Nikodijevic is an Accredited Practising Dietitian. She graduated from the University of Wollongong with a Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics (Honours) (Dean's Scholar) in 2018 and began her PhD in nutrition in March 2021.

Cassandra currently works in private practice once a fortnight to supplement her PhD. Cassandra's research explores nut consumption in Australia and the relationship between nut consumption and body weight.

Supporting resources

Baer DJ, Novotny JA. Metabolizable Energy from Cashew Nuts is Less than that Predicted by Atwater Factors. Nutrients. 2019; 11(1):33. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11010033

Baer DJ, et al. Walnuts Consumed by Healthy Adults Provide Less Available Energy than Predicted by the Atwater Factors. The Journal of Nutrition. 2016; 146(1): 9-13. https://academic.oup.com/jn/article/146/1/9/4585663

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Credits

Host: Belinda Neville

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