Walnuts are known as a super food because of their high content
of healthy fats they contain together with the numerous health benefits
they provide. These foods comprise anything from almonds and pistachios
to peanuts and walnuts. However, in case you want to make more
improvements concerning your health, read on to find out why walnuts
should be part of your diet.
Nutrients Found in Walnuts
- omega-3 fatty acids
- polyunsaturated fats
- phenols
- vitamin E
- antioxidants
What happens to your body 4 hours after you eat just 5 walnuts?
Adding
just one ounce of walnuts into your diet on regular daily basis will
provide you with some of the following health benefits:
Lower stress levels: Walnuts
can do wonders for your stress levels, especially if you suffer
physically as the result of stress or are prone to reacting strongly to
stressful situations. In fact, walnuts calm your body’s reaction to
stress thus helping you to get through the physical side effects of this
mental condition more easily.
Stronger heart: Walnuts
pack a high quantity of antioxidants, which are essential for fighting
free radicals that lead to heart disease and degeneration. Eating
walnuts regularly can significantly improve your heart health.
Brain protection against age-related degeneration: Due
to the omega-3 fatty acids in walnuts, regular consumption of these
nuts has been related to a decline in Alzheimer’s disease. Plus, the
omega-3 fatty acids are also extremely beneficial against cancer, ADHD,
and depression.
Lower cholesterol levels:
A study in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that men who
consume walnuts have lower bad cholesterol levels than those who do not
eat walnuts. This goes hand-in-hand with the heart benefits of walnuts.
Stronger hair, skin, and nails: Polyunsaturated fats
and omega-3 fatty acids are also beneficial for your appearance. These
nutrients can strengthen your nails, make your hair shinier, and make
your skin smoother.
Regardless of which health
benefits appeal most to you, walnuts should be an integral part of your
diet. There are plenty of ways to enjoy them – plain as a snack, chopped
on your salad, in desserts, or as a side dish.