The benefits of walnuts have been known for centuries and have been useful in sustaining good health for just as long. As it grows on a beautiful tree with leaves and bark that are also good for natural cures and home remedies, the nut and tree parts can be used for both internal and external treatments. In fact, the leaves and bark of the walnut tree have astringent properties, which make them particularly effective in maintaining healthy hair and skin.
Nutritional facts show that, with the exception of peanuts (which are actually legumes), most nuts contend with meat in terms of their protein and nutritional value. Understanding this helps health conscious individuals arrange diets according to the benefits of walnut nutrition in the quest to obtain optimal health.
Nutritional Benefits of Walnuts
Besides protein and a high antioxidant content common to most nuts, the following is a short list of the nutritional facts associated with walnuts:
- Vitamin B1
- Vitamin B2
- Niacin
- Calcium
- Potassium
- Phosphorus
- Iron
- Omega-3 fatty acids
It should be noted that vitamin B12 is not included in the list above. In fact, this vitamin is one that is not readily available in nuts of any variety. Therefore, those who are on vegetarian diets are advised to supplement vitamin B12 through other means.
Health Benefits of Walnuts
The benefits of walnuts begin with the protection that their nutrients provide to the human body. An example of these benefits include protection against:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Hypertension
- High cholesterol
- Inflammatory conditions (such as arthritis, psoriasis, eczema and asthma)
- Cancer
To increase protection against heart disease, experts recommend eating a handful of fresh walnuts at least four times each week. These can be enjoyed on a salad, sprinkled atop yogurt or by themselves for a healthy between meal snack. These beautiful nuts also support a healthy immune system and strong cognitive functioning, giving more reason for them to be enjoyed as often as possible.
Walnuts have been useful as a natural healing agent in the past and continue to be celebrated as a food source, which is useful as a remedy for the following:
- Mouth sores
- Throat sores
- Diarrhea
- Asthma
- Arthritis
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
- Poor immunity
Adding walnuts to a healthy diet introduces a natural source of monounsaturated fats, which are useful in lowering high blood cholesterol and reducing the likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease.
Precaution
Walnuts are a tree nut and are therefore a significant threat to those with nut allergies. People with a history of such should avoid raw portions of these nuts, as well as foods prepared with walnuts in their ingredients or other foods that may have been prepared in a facility using these ingredients. For others who are not affected by food allergies, these nuts are safe to consume.
As a terrific source of omega-3 fatty acids, as well as the other benefits of walnuts, it is easy to see why so many people who long for healthier diets often use this nut to add flavor and nutrition to their daily meals.
