This week it’s walnut health benefits from Kat’s Kitchen as the holiday season preparations continue!
I love walnuts – and with cashews they could well be my favourite nuts! Great on their own, with cheese, in deserts, salads and savoury dishes they are a great all rounder…..!
Walnuts are thought to be the oldest tree food known to man. There are 2 types of walnut species = one is the English walnut and one is the black walnut. Most people tend to eat the English walnut because it is easier to break the shell.
Walnuts are usually about 1-2 inches in diameter. The external shell is covered by an outer husk and the inner portion of the shell is where the nut is.
Walnuts are extremely nutrient dense – and a wonderful source of antioxidants, vitamin E and minerals such as manganese, copper, magnesium and phosphorus. Walnuts are also one of the few nuts which contain omega 3 fatty acids – in fact they are the main source of non fish omega 3.
Walnut Health Benefits
Here are some reasons to include walnuts in your diet at any time of year:
- High level of monounsaturated fat and arginine to support low levels of cholesterol and heart health
- Protects from cancer cells multiplying due to its ellagic acid content
- Support good brain health