Walnut Health Benefits

To add some great nutrition to your diet, consider walnut health benefits. These delicious nuts are a great source of nutrients.

There are three main types of walnuts. One is the white walnut, also known as a butternut (Juglans cinerea). The black walnut (Juglans nigra) is also prized for the wood of the tree. The third main type of walnuts is the English walnut (Juglans regia), which is the type most often eaten in the United States.

Walnuts are a great source of those all-important omega-3 fatty acids. In fact, they have the highest level of omega-3 fatty acids compared to any other nut. These omega-3 fatty acids have many health benefits. They are thought to help cognitive function, have an anti-inflammatory effect, and help prevent cardiovascular problems.

Ellagic acid is another antioxidant compound found in these delicious nuts. Along with several other polyphenolic compounds in walnuts, it helps support the immune system. It also appears to help protect against cancer.

Almost fifteen per cent of the fat found in walnuts is the healthful monounsaturated fat. Many studies have shown that eating more foods like walnuts that have a lot of monounsaturated fat has a good effect on high cholesterol levels.

They also have relatively high levels of l-arginine, which is an essential amino acid reported to help prevent hypertension. Inside the human body l-arginine is converted into nitric oxide, which is a chemical that helps blood vessels to relax and keep the inner walls of blood vessels smooth.

Besides omega-3 fatty acids and protein, walnuts also have vitamin E, potassium, fiber, and cholesterol lowering compounds known as plant sterols. Walnuts are also a very good source of manganese and a good source of copper.

They're a good brain food, help prevent gallstones, and a source of Bio-Available Melatonin.

Try to eat an ounce of nuts five times a week. Studies suggest that lowers the risk for heart attack by up to 50%.

Walnut health benefits make them a great addition to your diet!


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