The answer is, yes. Walnuts have all kinds of health claims and are considered to be the healthiest of all nuts due to their levels of antioxidants and nutrients. They are highly recommended as part of a healthy diet by nutritionists and professionals alike. Don’t be alarmed to find that all nuts - yes, including walnuts! - have a high level of fat content; but don’t worry, it’s the good sort of fat rather than the bad one.
It is important to note that good fats like monounsaturated fats have benefits such as aiding with weight loss while polyunsaturated fats can help lower total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol). Omega 3 fatty acids (found in walnuts) belong in the polyunsaturated fat category and have proven to help promote healthy hearts. Unfortunately, research shows that a majority of people’s diets do not contain enough of these essential fatty acids that are crucial to human health.
Walnuts and walnut oils are said to improve reaction to stress (by reducing blood pressure) and the antioxidants found in these super nuts are up to 15 times as powerful as vitamin E. They also contain many vitamins and minerals such as potassium, magnesium, iron, calcium, zinc, vitamin B9, B6, A etc. A 28 gram portion (equivalent to five walnuts) a day is said to be sufficient to maintain a healthy body.
Scientists recommend eating them raw and straight from the shell as roasting walnuts can reduce antioxidant quality. Walnuts can go rancid if not stored properly. Keep them away from direct sunlight and warm temperatures and store them in airtight containers to maintain their freshness. Alternatively, put them in the freezer if they are still shelled and if you’re not planning to consume them for a while.
It is important to note that good fats like monounsaturated fats have benefits such as aiding with weight loss while polyunsaturated fats can help lower total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol). Omega 3 fatty acids (found in walnuts) belong in the polyunsaturated fat category and have proven to help promote healthy hearts. Unfortunately, research shows that a majority of people’s diets do not contain enough of these essential fatty acids that are crucial to human health.
Walnuts and walnut oils are said to improve reaction to stress (by reducing blood pressure) and the antioxidants found in these super nuts are up to 15 times as powerful as vitamin E. They also contain many vitamins and minerals such as potassium, magnesium, iron, calcium, zinc, vitamin B9, B6, A etc. A 28 gram portion (equivalent to five walnuts) a day is said to be sufficient to maintain a healthy body.
Scientists recommend eating them raw and straight from the shell as roasting walnuts can reduce antioxidant quality. Walnuts can go rancid if not stored properly. Keep them away from direct sunlight and warm temperatures and store them in airtight containers to maintain their freshness. Alternatively, put them in the freezer if they are still shelled and if you’re not planning to consume them for a while.
