London, Oct 9 (IANS): Snacking on almonds helps in reducing hunger while improving dietary vitamin E and fat intake without increasing body weight, according to a study published Wednesday.

"This research suggests that almonds may be a good snacks option, especially for those concerned about weight," said Richard Mattes, professor of nutrition science at Purdue University in the US.

The study was published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

The researchers at Purdue University investigated the effects of almond consumption on weight and appetite.

"In this study, participants compensated for the additional calories provided by almonds so that daily energy intake did not rise and reported reduced hunger levels, particularly when almonds were consumed as a snack," added Mattes.

The study was conducted on 137 adult participants who were at risk of Type 2 diabetes.

Participants were divided into five groups: a control group that avoided all nuts and seeds, a breakfast meal group and lunch meal group that ate 43 grams of almonds each with their daily breakfast or lunch, and a morning group and afternoon group each consumed 43 grams of almonds between their customary meals.