Health Benefits of Walnuts

Walnuts are considered to be a rich source of energy and amongst all the nuts they contain the maximum number of antioxidants of high quality. They are one of the best plant sources of protein available. They look very simialr to the structure of a human brain and are therefore considered to be a very good food for our brain. Let us see some health benefits of Walnuts in the section below.

Walnuts are not only good in taste but are also rich source of mono-unsaturated fats and omega 3 fatty acids both of which are very beneficial for one's heart.

Health Benefits of Walnuts

Following is a list of some health benefits of Walnuts:

1. Daily intake of 5 to 7 walnuts, helps improve the cholesterol levels in our body i.e. it reduces the total as well as LDL (bad cholesterol) level and increases the levels of HDL (good cholesterol) in our blood.
2. Walnuts are also called as "brain food" because of the presence of Omega-3 fatty acids in them. The omega-3 fatty acids help in proper functioning of the brain cells. Also, amongst all the tree nuts found, Walnuts have the highest omega-3 content.
3. Regular intake of walnuts in your diet can also solve the problem of insomnia as they are also rich in a hormone called Melatonin, which regulates sleep and is also a powerful antioxidant. Try having some walnuts during evening time and notice that you get a good sleep that night. Maintaining healthy levels of this hormone is important for everyone over the age of 40 since the amount of melatonin produced by the human body decreases significantly as we age, so it becomes even more important for persons above 40 to include walnuts in their daily diet.
4. Walnuts are also excellent source of vitamin E, which is a powerful lipid soluble antioxidant, required for maintaining the integrity of cell membrane of mucus membranes and skin by protecting it from harmful oxygen free radicals.
5. Walnuts contain an essential amino acid called L-arginine, that helps in increasing the blood flow in the body. It also prevents arteries from narrowing and prevents accumulation of fat deposits in the artery walls.
6. Walnuts can also help cure constipation as they are a rich source of dietary fibre.
7. Due to anti-inflamatory properties of omega-3 fatty acids, walnuts can be used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and dry and itchy skin.
8. As walnuts are rich in iodine content, they are also considered good for preventing thyroid.

When not to eat Walnuts

1. In case you are allergic to nuts, then do not eat walnuts.
2. Walnuts become rancid very easily, so if they taste bitter, do not eat them.
3. If taken in excess quantities daily, can lead to obesity.
4. If possible, always try to take walnuts in raw form instead of roasted form as roasted form contains high fat and calorie content, so overweight people and heart patients should be cautious while eating excess and roasted walnuts.

Health Benefits of Walnuts

Health Benefits of Walnuts

When not to eat Walnuts

Post Comment:

Subscribe to Email

Online Members