"Although there is a tendency to think that nuts contain many calories, and hence the fear of consuming them for not getting fat, there is no relationship between their consumption and body weight," according to Jordi Salas-Salvadó, Full Professor of Nutrition and Bromatology, director of group of research Food, Nutrition, Growth and Mental Health of the Rovira i Virgili University of Reus. 

The expert in clinical trials on patron saint food and cardiovascular risk has been awarded the IX award Alimentación y Salud, which is given annually by the Chair Tomás Pascual Sanz-University of Navarra to prestigious national and international researchers and academics in the fields of food and health. In his opinion "there is the paradox that not all calories are fattening in the same way".

Salas-Salvadó recommends, within the context of a balanced Mediterraneanper diem expenses , the daily consumption of a handful of nuts (preferably raw or minimally processed) and the use of virgin olive oil, both for cooking and for seasoning, "provided that there is no medical circumstance that contraindicates it". The nutritional advantages of these foods for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases and their relationship with the metabolic syndrome was one of the topics he spoke about at auditorium of Sciences Building.

Greater involvement against childhood obesity

As president of the Spanish Federation of Nutrition, Food and Dietetics Societies, position which he has held since 2010, he is aware of the prevalence of childhood obesity in Spain. In this regard, he stresses that, from the institution, efforts are being made at different levels to combat the problem, although he considers that "they are too timid". In his opinion, it is essential to involve multiple levels and institutions (family, health centers, schools, city councils, regional and state administrations, food industry, etc.) to change this trend.

"Unfortunately in our country, despite multiple efforts at different levels, these are often not coordinated or do not last over time. It is necessary that politicians understand that it is necessary to sow now to reap the fruits in a few years. This means dedicating sufficient resources to key strategies that are currently lacking.

The award winner is advisor scientist of the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition and author or co-author of more than 300 scientific articles, monographs, books and book chapters. He has also collaborated in numerous national and international public funding projects.