WALNUT

WALNUT

Walnuts are edible kernels obtained from tree belonging to the Juglandaceae family, in the genus, Juglan.

The nuts have been revered since ancient times as symbol of intellectuality, since their bi-lobed kernels

have convoluted surface inside the shell resembling as that of the human brain.Oftentimes, the simplest

foods are best for your health, and this is certainly the case for nuts, in which Mother Nature has

crafted a nearly perfect package of protein, healthy fats, fiber, plant sterols, antioxidants, and many

vitamins and minerals.Walnut is one the those .Walnuts belong to the tree nut family, along with Brazil

nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pecans, pine nuts, and pistachios. Each has its own unique

nutritional profile.

Walnuts are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (about 72%) like oleic acid and an excellent source of

all important omega-3 essential fatty acids like linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and arachidonic

acids. Regular intake of walnuts in the diet help in lowering total as well as LDL or “bad cholesterol” and

increases HDL or “good cholesterol” levels in the blood. Research studies suggest that Mediterranean diet

which is rich in mono-unsaturated fatty acids, and omega-3 fatty acids help to prevent coronary artery

disease, and strokes by favoring healthy blood lipid profile.Walnut contains a large amount of vitamins

B6 (0.2mg per ounce of walnut) providing 8 percent of the daily requirement. It also has plenty of folate

and thiamin and useful quantity of vitamin E in the form of tocopherol. Walnut is a rich source of manganese,

one serving contributing to almost half of its required daily value.

Walnuts contain the amino acid l-arginine, which offers multiple vascular benefits to people with heart

disease, or those who have increased risk for heart disease due to multiple cardiac risk factors.Walnuts

not only taste great but are a rich source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and an excellent source

of those hard to find omega-3 fatty acids. Like most nuts, they can easily be added to your Healthiest

Way of Eating.Separate research showed that eating just one ounce of walnuts a day may decrease cardiovascular

risk, and among those at high cardiovascular risk, increased frequency of nut consumption significantly

lowers the risk of death.So add the walnut to your daily diet to remain fit and healthy.