The health benefits of walnuts include a reduction of bad cholesterol in the body, an improvement in metabolism, and control of diabetes. Other important health benefits of walnuts stem from the fact that these nuts possess anti-inflammatory properties, aid in weight management, and help as a mood booster. They are also believed to slow down the spread of cancer.
What Are Walnuts?
Walnuts are edible seeds from the trees of the Juglans genus. They are round, single-seeded fruits of the walnut tree. The fruit and the seed of the walnut are enclosed in a thick, inedible husk. The shell of the fruit that encloses the kernel is hard and two-halved. The seed of the walnut fruits contains significant amounts of nutrients such as proteins, EFAs (essential fatty acids), carbohydrates, vitamins, and essential minerals.
Walnuts have always been considered as ‘Brain Food’, perhaps because the surface structure of the walnut has a crinkly appearance like that of the brain. Due to this reason, they have been considered as a symbol of intelligence, leading to the belief that they actually increase one’s intellect. While this is not exactly true, recent scientific studies have proven that the consumption of walnuts does help in promoting brain function. They contain omega-3 fatty acids, which increase the activity of the brain. Omega-3 fatty acids coupled with iodine and selenium add to ensuring optimum functioning of the brain.
Along with their delicious taste, walnuts have antioxidants and proteins that help in imparting a multitude of health benefits. They are also a delicious supplement and therefore can be easily included in anyone’s diet. They are also considered as ‘Power food’since they are believed to improve body stamina.
Some facts about walnuts are that the trees have been known to mankind since 7000 B.C and two-thirds of the world’s walnut production happens in California.
Nutritional Value Of Walnuts
Thomas and Gebhardt (2006) have conducted extensive research on the nutritional facts about walnuts that have been reported by the USDA National Nutrient Database for standard reference. The important nutritional facts from this research are listed below.
The minerals found in them include calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, zinc, copper, manganese, and selenium.
Vitamins include vitamin C, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin B12, vitamin E, vitamin K, and vitamin A. Carotenoids found in them includes beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin.
Health Benefits Of Walnuts
- Improve Heart Function
Walnuts are rich in omega-3 and are an ample source of monounsaturated fatty acids (72%) like oleic acid. It also contains EFAs like linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), and arachidonic acids. Scientific studies prove that the inclusion of walnuts in any diet helps prevent coronary heart diseases by favoring a healthy lipid supply. Their consumption lowers bad cholesterol (LDL) and increases levels of good cholesterol (HDL). Daily consumption of 25 grams of walnuts would provide 90% of the recommended daily intake (RDI) of EFAs, which in turn lowers the risk of high blood pressure and heart diseases.
- Boost Bone Health
EFAs from walnuts secure the bone health of the body. These increase calcium absorption and deposition, while reducing urinary calcium excretion.
- Improve Metabolism
One of the health benefits of walnuts consumption is that it improves the metabolism in the body. They, along with EFAs, provide minerals to the body. Minerals like manganese, copper, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, and selenium are also provided by them. These minerals help contribute to metabolic activities like growth and development, sperm generation, digestion, and nucleic acid synthesis.
- Control Diabetes
People suffering from diabetes can have walnuts on a regular basis without any significant weight gain since they contain a high amount of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. In an article titled “The impact of nuts on diabetes and diabetes risk”, by Lovejoy (2005) it is mentioned that the intake of nuts is inversely proportional to the risk of developing type-II diabetes.
- Prevent Cancer
Some of the components present in walnuts have the capability of controlling the growth of cancer cells in the body. The phenolic compounds and antioxidants found in walnuts recorded a control on human cancer cells, according to the research conducted in 2010 by the University of Portugal.
- Reduce Inflammation
The polyphenolic compounds and phytochemical substances found in walnuts reduce the effects of inflammation in the body. This is based on an experiment conducted in the Mediterranean in 2010
- Skin Care
Rich in gamma-tocopherol, walnuts are also a good source of vitamin E, which is a strong lipid-soluble antioxidant. The vitamin E present in them helps in maintaining and protecting the skin from free radicals that are harmful in nature. They are also an important source of B-complex vitamins such as folate, niacin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, and vitamin B66.
- Regulate Sleep
Want a good night’s sleep? Eat some walnuts soaked in water before sleeping or eat a salad or any other dish using walnuts as toppings. Melatonin, a hormone that helps induce and regulate sleep, is available in them in a bio-available form. Thus, they help make for a perfect dinner that leads you to a great, restful sleep.
- Weight Management
The amount of fat, calories, and carbohydrate content found in walnuts are high, therefore, it is believed that walnut consumption may result in weight gain. However, according to several types of research conducted, it has shown that daily consumption of walnuts did not result in any significant weight gain among tested individuals.
- Mood Booster
A scientific study indicates that a lack of omega-3 fatty acids (provided by walnuts) cause hyperactivity, irritability, and tantrums. Supplementing a child’s diet with walnuts compensates the deficit in EFAs and alleviates their mood. It is even applicable to adults who are battling depression and stress.
- Astringent Properties
Walnut oils have significant astringent properties. Walnut oil has a rich, nutty flavor that helps bring aroma and flavor to the food. This flavor gives a pleasant taste, but only when the walnut oil is used in moderation. It is used as a carrier/base oil in various therapies like aromatherapy, massage therapy, as well as in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry. Walnut oils are terrific as dressings on chicken, turkey, salads, pasta, fish, and steaks. The uses of walnut oils in dessert recipes help bring a nutty flavor to the dish. And they also provide significant levels of Vitamins B1, B2, and B3.
Quick Tips To Serve Walnuts
Walnuts can be integrated into your diet to gain from all the associated health benefits. A few ways to add them to your meal are as follows:
- Add shredded walnuts to chicken and fish right before cooking them.
- Ground some walnuts and use the powder on sandwiches, salads, or any other dish.
- Add chopped/shredded walnuts to desserts to add a nutty flavor to it.
- Add chopped/shredded walnuts to yogurt and berries to make a healthy dessert.
- To roast walnuts, use a 70-75°c oven for 15-20 minutes.
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