11 Benefits of Walnuts Nutrition

Walnuts are edible seeds from the trees of Juglans genus. Walnuts have always been considered as ‘brain food‘, perhaps because the surface structure of the walnut has a crinkly appearance like that of the brain. Due to this reason, they have been considered as a symbol of intelligence, leading to the belief that they actually increase one’s intellect. In this article e are discussing the benefits of walnuts and what nutrition it has?

Walnut fruits contains significant amounts of nutrients such as proteins, EFAs (essential fatty acids), carbohydrates, vitamins, and essential minerals. While this is not exactly true, recent studies have proven that the consumption of these seeds does help in promoting brain function. They contain omega-3 fatty acids, which increase the activity of the brain. Omega-3 fatty acids coupled with iodine and selenium add to ensuring optimum functioning of the brain.

Along with their delicious taste, walnuts have antioxidants and proteins that help in imparting a multitude of health benefits. They are also a delicious supplement and therefore can be easily included in anyone’s diet. They are also considered as ‘power food’ since they are believed to improve body stamina.

Health Benefits of Walnuts

There are many health benefits of walnut. Walnuts have always been considered as ‘brain food’. Most of are benefits for brain, hair, heart etc. check out 11 Health Benefits of Walnuts Nutrition.

1. Improve Heart Function

Walnuts are rich in omega-3 and are an ample source of monounsaturated fatty acids (72%) like oleic acid. It also contains EFAs like linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), and arachidonic acids. Scientific studies prove that the inclusion of walnuts in any diet helps prevent coronary heart diseases by favoring a healthy lipid supply. Their consumption lowers the bad LDL cholesterol and increases the level of good HDL cholesterol. Daily consumption of 25 grams of walnuts provides 90% of the recommended daily intake (RDI) of EFAs, which in turn lowers the risk of high blood pressure and heart diseases.

2. Boost Bone Health

EFAs from walnuts secure the bone health of the body. These increase calcium absorption and deposition, while reducing urinary calcium excretion.

3. Improve Metabolism

One of the health benefits of eating walnuts is that it improves the body metabolism. They, along with EFAs, provide minerals like manganese, copper, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, and selenium to the body. These minerals help contribute to metabolic activities like growth and development, sperm generation, digestion, and nucleic acid synthesis.

4. Control Diabetes

People suffering from diabetes can have walnuts on a regular basis without any significant weight gain, since they contain a high amount of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, as per research conducted by Gillen et al. (2005) at the University of Wollongong, Australia. In an article titled “The impact of nuts on diabetes and diabetes risk”, by Lovejoy (2005), it is mentioned that the intake of nuts is inversely proportional to the risk of developing type-II diabetes.

5. Prevent Cancer

Some of the components present in walnuts have the capability of controlling the growth of cancer cells in the body. The phenolic compounds and antioxidants found in them recorded a control on human cancer cells, according to the research conducted by Carvalho et al. (2010) from the University of Portugal.

6. Reduce Inflammation

The polyphenolic compounds and phytochemical substances found in walnuts reduce the effects of inflammation in the body. This finding was a result of an experiment conducted in the Mediterranean area by Papoutsi et al. (2008).

7. Walnut for Skin Care

Rich in gamma-tocopherol, walnuts are also a good source of vitamin E, which is a strong lipid-soluble antioxidant. The vitamin E present in them helps in maintaining and protecting the skin from free radicals that are harmful in nature. They are also an important source of B-complex vitamins such as folate, niacin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, and vitamin B-6.

8. Regulate Sleep

Want a good night’s sleep? Eat some walnuts soaked in water before sleeping, or eat a salad or any dish using them as toppings. These nuts make melatonin, a hormone that helps induce and regulate sleep, and is available to them in a bio-available form. Thus, they help make a perfect dinner that leads you to a great, restful sleep.

9. Weight Management

The amount of fat, calories, and carbohydrates found in 1 ounce of walnuts is about 18 grams, 190 calories, and 4 grams respectively. Therefore, it is believed that walnut consumption may result in weight gain. However, research conducted by Sabaté et al. (2005) at the Loma Linda University, California, USA have shown that walnut consumption of about 35 grams per day did not result in any significant weight gain among tested individuals over a period of 1 year.

10. Mood Booster

A scientific study indicates that lack of omega-3 fatty acids (provided by walnuts) causes hyperactivity, irritability, and tantrums. Supplementing a child’s diet with these nuts compensates the deficit in EFAs and alleviates their mood. This is even applicable to adults who are battling depression and stress.

11. Astringent Properties

Walnut oils have significant astringent properties. Walnut oil has a rich, nutty flavor that helps bring aroma and flavor to the food. This flavor gives a pleasant taste, but only when it is used in moderation. It is used as a carrier/base oil in various therapies like aromatherapy, and massage therapy, as well as in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry. Walnut oils are terrific as dressings on chicken, turkey, salads, pasta, fish, and steaks. The uses of walnut oils in dessert recipes help bring a nutty flavor to the dish. A 35 gram serving of walnut oil provides the same nutritional benefits as 50 grams of walnuts. They also provide significant levels of vitamins B-1, B-2, and B-3.

Nutritional Value of Walnuts

Thomas and Gebhardt (2006) had conducted extensive research on the nutritional facts about walnuts that have been reported by the USDA National Nutrient Database for standard reference. Here you will see that how many calories in walnuts. The important nutritional facts from this research are listed below.

• Walnuts includes the energy of 190 calories per ounce or 30 grams.
• Carbohydrate content per ounce is 4 grams.
• Protein found in 1 ounce is 4 grams.
• The total fat content found in 1 ounce is 18 grams, which includes both unsaturated fats and saturated fats.
• Dietary fiber found in them is about 2 grams per ounce.
• The minerals found in them include calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, zinc, copper, manganese, and selenium.
• Vitamins include vitamin C, thiamine or vitamin B, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin B12, vitamin E, vitamin K, and vitamin A. Carotenoids found in them include beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin.
• Phytosterols in walnuts are about 20 mg per ounce.