Paper Title
A Cross-Sectional Survey on Walnuts Consumption in Adolescents Aged 13-19 Years from Different Districts of Mumbai

Abstract
Even though the main challenge of health in the 21st century is “enhancing life expectancy”, the most important issue in this regard is “better quality of life”. Walnuts are among the most widely consumed tree nut in the world and are distinctly high in n-6 and n-3 PUFA (2.5g/28 g) which marks a unique compositional profile to it over other nuts.An ounce serving of walnuts (28g/day) provides substantial nutrients to keep oneself going. The content of polyphenols and their claimed cytotoxic properties makes Walnut an attractive candidate for the prevention of free radical induced damage. A handful of Walnuts packed with high antioxidant content with an amalgamation of number of potentially neuroprotective compounds are nature’s own vitamin pill and ready-to-eat snack food. The aim of this cross sectional study is to investigate about the consumption patterns of nuts and its awareness acquainted with the health benefits amongst adolescents aged 13—19 years (n=195) across the various districts of Mumbai City from Borivali (W) to Santacruz (W). The survey conducted is an observational, randomized, community based, cross-sectional, field study which has a descriptive survey design. A total of 195 adolescents participated in the study. Since the survey was conducted through online forms, the samples were targeted and identified by sharing the links of the form to the adolescents meeting the inclusion criteria. Maximum adolescents (n=101, 52.10%) were between the age group of 17-19 years. The average BMI (kg/m2) of the adolescents is 24.60kg/m2 ± 5.0 SD that comes under the 'overweight' category according to WHO Asian cut-offs for BMI. About 50.0% of the adolescents consumed Walnuts whereas remaining 50.0% didn’t consume. The major forms of Walnut consumption are Whole Walnuts (72.2%). About 71.1% (n=138) of the adolescents are ready to put their best foot forward by incorporating Walnuts in their diets whereas 28.9% of them don’t want to, which could be due to unmentioned reasons.Walnut consumption alters the composition and function of the human microbiome because it provides a substrate to the gut microbiota such as Clostridium clusters like XIVa and IV (XIVa and IV are groups of bacteria that have been known as major players in the human microbiome)which has an increased ability to make butyrate A significant increase is seen in large and medium HDL particles after consuming walnuts and circulating concentrations of large HDL particles are inversely related to CVD. Lifestyle factors greatly affect the progression of cognitive decline including unhealthy Quality of Life with possibilities of myriad of additional co-morbidities as well. The findings from this study supports the benefits of the incorporation of a natural health capsule as a component of a healthy diet for maintaining the supreme Quality of Life based on its unique and distinctive compositional profile. From the concluding Question of the survey, many adolescents are ready to put their best foot forward by incorporating Walnuts in their diets and making themselves a part of a healthier lifestyle and taking the onus of going forward with consumption of Walnuts, thus striding for the better Quality Of Life. Keywords - Obesity, Walnuts, Adolescents, Diet, Quality of life