You Gotta Be Nuts

Walnuts to be more specific.

Now of all of the nuts out there, these used to be my least favorite.  On the flavor scale, they kind of still are because hello...cashews and macadamia nuts.  But when it comes to the nutritional punch walnuts pack on so many levels, it's hard to deny their magical powers.  Obviously plant based peeps have long known the walnut's ability to transform into things like taco "meat" to meatless bolognese but omnivores need this nut in their lives as well.

Let's take a peek at the nutritional info...

Yes, if you have a full serving, you're gonna take a bit of a calorie hit but it's got all of the good fats in them including Omega 3's.  There are some pretty cool studies done talking about the benefits of just 15g (1/2 serving) including a study that walnuts compared to fish based omega 3's lowered risk of all mortality compared to just lowering heart disease.  Another study showed how eating a diet rich in PUFA's (Poly Unsaturated Fatty Acids) which included walnuts, salmon, tuna, grapeseed oil, etc was able to improve fat metabolism and protect against the effects of saturated fat.  Click here to read more about that.

Have you ever noticed that a walnut looks like a brain?

Well that should be your cue to remember that they're also good for your brain!  One study showed eating walnuts may improve performance on cognitive function tests including memory, information processing and concentration.  (So if you have a big test coming up, start popping the walnuts!)  Of course you know with the family situation of dementia, I was particularly interested in the animal study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease that showed a diet including walnuts may have a beneficial effect in reducing the risk, slowing the progression of or delaying the onset of Alzheimer's disease!  This means the human equivalent of 1 ounce for humans or half a serving of walnuts!  That alone is enough reason for me to continue to eat these brain health powerhouses!

Of course there is also evidence that shows walnuts may play a role in fighting breast, colorectal and prostate cancer.  Tumor size seems to be greatly reduced or slower growing for all three cancers.  There are also a slew of other benefits and to learn more about them, click here.

So the take away from this is grab a bag of organic walnuts and start learning to love them if you don't already.

Your body and mind will thank you for it!

Do you eat walnuts regularly?  Do you think you will add them in after seeing the many health benefits?

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