The Health Benefits of Walnuts

Health Benefits of Walnuts

Banana nut bread wouldn’t taste the same without walnuts, but now you can feel a little better about grabbing an extra slice! Walnuts are a very popular nut and for good reason. They are very nutritious and the flavor is unique.

This nut can add a wonderful flavor and consistency to many foods. They are also great as a snack and it doesn’t take many of them to reap the health benefits of walnuts Here are some of these benefits and you may be surprised at how healthy walnuts really are.

A Heart Healthy Food

The Food and Drug Administration recently stated that 1 ½ ounces of walnuts each day may reduce the risk of heart disease. Dr. Emilio Ros, who works at the Hospital Clinic De Barcelona, said that this is the first whole food, and not just a component in a food, that has shown this type of effect on heart health.

One of the reasons these nuts are so remarkable is because they are packed with omega 3 fatty acids. In fact, just a ¼ of a cup of walnuts provides the body with 90 percent of the day’s recommended value.

The body does not make omega 3 fatty acids, but they can help reduce the risk of heart attack. This happens because the blood is less likely to clot in the arteries. Another one of the health benefits of walnuts is that they can help even out an erratic heartbeat and keep cholesterol from becoming plaque and building up in the arteries.

Walnuts have also been shown to be a great immune booster and may have anti-cancer properties. Research as also shown that those who consume nuts four times a week on average reduce their risk of coronary heart disease by 38 percent.

These nuts also have high levels of l-arginine and monounsaturated fats, which are the “good kind.” Monounsaturated fats helps lower bad blood cholesterol levels and a compound known as lipoprotein a, which increases blood clotting that can lead to atherosclerosis.

L-arginine is an essential amino acid. This means that the body must have it to survive. L-arginine is converted into nitric oxide that prevents the arteries from narrowing, increases blood flow, and prevent fat deposits from binding to the walls of blood vessels.

Boost Brain Power

Another of the health benefits of walnuts is how they can help with a healthy function of the brain. This is also attributed to the high levels of omega 3 fatty acids. There have been many studies that suggest when the intake of omega 3 fatty acidsis low, there is a higher risk of depression, behavioral problems, learning disabilities and hyperactivity.

Other Benefits of Walnuts

Walnuts contain high levels of melatonin, which helps to promote a good night’s sleep. This nut also helps promote bone health and may prevent gallstones. As an anti-inflammatory, walnuts can help reduce the pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis and ease trouble with asthma. It’s also been shown to be very helpful in reducing the occurrence of eczema and psoriasis. Many studies have also shown that walnuts may keep you from gaining weight as well, when used as an integral part of your diet.

A Few Final Thoughts

There are many health benefits of walnuts. While some people avoid using these nuts because they don’t like the taste, there are several forms of walnut oils that can be used in place of the actual nut. This is another one of nature’s “superfoods,” and should be a part of your diet in order to see all the benefits.

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