Think walnuts are boring? The annual Walnut Research Conference begs to differ.
Life Story of the Walnut
We weren’t kidding about the Walnut Research Conference. University of California Davis has held this conference every year, since the past 50 years! Technically speaking, a walnut is the seed of a drupaceous nut, and thus not a true nut but a seed. There are many varieties of walnuts but the most common one is the English walnut. There are many ways to eat a walnut, from raw to toasted to candied to pickled.
Walnuts are extremely nutritious. Walnuts have one of the highest antioxidant content compared to other common nuts. This helps prevent oxidative damage to the cells. Walnuts are also a rich source of omega-3s, which can help reduce risk of heart disease. They also contain plant compounds called polyphenols that may help reduce inflammation.
Why should you eat more Walnut?
They're loaded with:
In the body, it acts as an antioxidant, helping to protect cells from the damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are compounds formed when our bodies convert the food we eat into energy, and are responsible for much of the aging of tissues. Recent research also shows their potential in preventing oxidative stress induced by iron supplementation or excessively iron-rich diets.
The human body can make most of the types of fats it needs from other fats or raw materials, except when it comes to omega-3 fatty acids. The body can't make them from scratch but must get them from food. Research shows that omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and may help lower risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and arthritis. Also, omega-3 fatty acids are highly concentrated in the brain and appear to be important for brain health, specifically memory and brain performance.
Helps to maintain normal nerve and muscle function, supports a healthy immune system, keeps the heart beat steady, and helps bones remain strong, being essential for over 300 bodily functions. It also helps regulate blood glucose levels and aid in the production of energy and protein.
Helps the body form connective tissue, bones, blood clotting factors, and sex hormones. It also plays a role in fat and carbohydrate metabolism, calcium absorption, and blood sugar regulation, being essential for most bodily functions.
Vitamin B6 plays a key role in maintaining the proper function and development of the brain and nervous system. It is also involved in the production of hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen.
Plays a key role in maintaining a healthy nervous system. Thiamine also helps prevent complications in the brain, muscles, heart, stomach, and intestines.
The main function of phosphorus is in the formation of bones and teeth. It plays an important role in how the body uses carbohydrates and fats. It is also needed for the body to make protein for the growth, maintenance, and repair of cells and tissues.
Where can you find Walnut?