Go Nuts for Walnuts
by Sara Butler
If you don’t eat walnuts you may want to reconsider. Walnuts have a lot of health benefits and should probably be considered as a mainstay in your daily diet. Here are some interesting facts about walnuts and what makes them so good for you.
They Have Healthy Fats
Walnuts have omega-3 fatty acids and also have the highest level of alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 essential fatty acid, of any other nut. In fact, it’s one of the best plant-based sources of omega-3’s, so if you are a vegan or vegetarian they are an essential part of a healthy diet.
Walnuts Have the Power
A single ounce of walnuts provides several essential nutrients, such as protein and fiber, which make it a nutritional powerhouse. They also are a wonderful source of phosphorus and magnesium, which are important for bone mass and muscle function.
They Taste Good
It’s not all science-y stuff! You should include walnuts in your diet because they taste good and are a great addition to recipes. They can be included in a variety of dishes that cover every course, from appetizers to desserts, and they’re a great snack just to have on hand.
They’re Positively Prehistoric
If you really want to eat how your ancient ancestors ate, then you have to include walnuts in your diet. Walnuts have been dated all the way back to 7000 B.C.E., and the ancient Romans and Greeks ate them for their health benefits too! That’s some history.
They Improve Your Mind
Walnuts have been studied for a while now to see what role they might play in improving and maintaining brain health. Some studies have found that an ounce of walnuts a day may be able to reduce age-related cognitive and motor decline – in animals. But those are still promising findings that may cross over animal kingdom lines to humans.
They’re Good for Your Heart
It’s been widely accepted in the research community for decades that walnuts can help reduce the risk of heart disease. They are so good for your heart that they’re one of the first foods ever endorsed by the FDA as having heart health benefits. These benefits include:
- Reduction in cholesterol
- Reduction in blood pressure
- Reduction in inflammation
- Improved blood vessel function
You probably didn’t have any idea that walnuts were so good for you, did you? Don’t you think it’s time you added a few walnuts to your day?