Walnuts – Whole (California)

Health Benefits of Walnuts

Overall nutrition: English walnuts are one of the most nutrient-dense whole food sources of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an essential omega-3 fatty acid. Omega-3s help reduce the potential for heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity and clinical depression. Heart friendly: An ever-growing body of research has shown that walnuts play a significant role in reducing the risk of heart disease. The heart benefits of English walnuts include lowering cholesterol, reducing inflammation and improving arterial function. Amazing antioxidants: A USDA study of food antioxidants noted the high antioxidant concentration in walnuts, which help the body ward off life-threatening maladies such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes, as well as debilitating ailments such as arthritis, osteoporosis and Alzheimer’s disease. While there are several different methods used to measure antioxidant levels, such as the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and the ferric-reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) methods, walnuts rank highly under either method. Walnuts for weight loss: Researchers have noted in many walnuts studies that subjects did not gain weight when walnuts were substituted for other fat in the diet. People reported feeling more satisfied; many said walnuts made it easier to stick to a diet and improve weight loss.