Health Benefits Of Walnuts

Walnuts are the oldest known tree food dating back to 10,000 BC! Walnuts are believed to have originated in Persia, Central Asia from where they spread across the globe. Walnuts are rich sources, in fact, the richest plant-based sources of omega 3 fatty acids which help in keeping your nerve membranes flexible, and boost oxygen levels in the blood. The Greeks called walnuts karyon, meaning “head,” because the shell resembles a human skull and the walnut kernel itself looks like a brain!

HEALTH BENEFITS:

1. Walnuts contain Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a type of Omega-3’s in exceptionally high content of the omega-3 fatty acid, alpha-linolenic acid compared to other nuts.

2. Omega-3’s are considered to be heart healthy because they help lower cholesterol levels, reduce inflammation, and improve blood flow through your arteries.

3. Walnuts are not only good for your heart but are also good for your brain! “Omega 3 fatty acids are the type of fat preferred by the brain and nervous system.”

4. Walnuts are a rich source of magnesium hence good in inhibiting the onset of diabetes as low magnesium diets have been linked to reduced insulin sensitivity and increased risk of type 2 Diabetes.

5. Walnuts are a good source of the vitamin E, which acts as an antioxidant, neutralizing unstable molecules that can damage your DNA cells.

6. For Breast Cancer: American Association for Cancer Research has published in its 2009 research volume that consuming a few walnuts each day can help keep the risk of the most common breast cancer away. So having a few of them will reduce your risk of Breast Cancer.

7. For Combating Stress walnuts are your remedy. Being rich in omega3 acids, walnuts are small enough to be carried around in your purse or wallet for a mood-lifting boost throughout the day.

8. For Pregnancy, who are expecting can gain a lot from having walnut daily. Walnut contains healthy Vitamin B Complex groups present in them like foliates, riboflavin, thiamin and more. These are necessary for a pregnant woman and the fetus.

9. Delay skin ageing with these nuts.Walnuts fare good for skin as it is packed with B-vitamins that make them a great treat for your skin. Vitamin B is an excellent stress and mood manager which reduces your stress level hence inhibiting your ageing process.

10. For Longer, stronger hair Walnuts are good sources of potassium, Omega 3, Omega 6, and Omega 9 fatty acids. All these ingredients strengthen the hair follicles. Thus, regular consumption of walnuts will leave you with longer, stronger, healthier, and glowing hair.

Walnuts have always been considered important for their medicinal properties, including curing bad breath, reducing inflammation, and healing wounds.In India, Kashmir is the traditional and the main centre of walnut cultivation and production.

Storage:

• Store walnuts in your refrigerator for up to 6 months or in your freezer for up to one year, and away from foods with strong odors (e.g. fish, cabbage, and onions).Nuts can absorb the flavors of other.

• In-shell walnuts will remain fresh for several months when stored in a cool, dry place. Wait to shell or chop walnuts until you’re ready to use them.

HOW MUCH SHOULD I EAT?

Eating walnuts is one easy step a person can take to improve their health each day. Try to eat one ounce of walnuts per day to experience the health benefits. One ounce or 14 halves of walnuts contains 190 calories, 2.6 grams of omega-3 fats and are a great source of Vitamin E and magnesium.

FUN 'N' EASY WALNUT WAYS:
Fresh walnuts smell mildly nutty and taste sweet.Get your dose of the famous Kashmir Walnuts today and add to your health in an easy & fun way:

• A handful of walnuts makes a great anytime snack
• Add them with fresh or dried fruit.
• Add them to salads, yogurt, breakfast cereals, or oatmeal.
• In summers, top any of your smoothies with a handful of walnuts.

WALNUT FOLKLORE

One hot day, Mulla Nasruddin was taking it easy in the shade of a walnut tree. After a time, he started eyeing speculatively, the huge pumpkins growing on vines and the small walnuts growing on a majestic tree.Sometimes I just can't understand the ways of God! He mused. Just fancy letting tiny walnuts grow on so majestic a tree and huge pumpkins on the delicate vines!

Just then a walnut snapped off and fell smack on Mulla Nasruddin's bald head. He got up at once and lifting up his hands and face to heavens in supplication, said:

Oh, my God! Forgive my questioning your ways! You are all-wise. Where would I have been now, if pumpkins grew on trees!