Benefits of Walnuts

What are the benefits of walnuts? Here are some facts about walnuts and why eating walnut is good for you.

There are several species of walnuts. One of the most popular and has been used as a remedy for intestinal problems is the black walnut. Dried black walnuts contain protein, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, beta carotene, phytosterols, beta sitosterol, polyunsaturated fatty acids and tocopherol. There are also vitamin C, vitamin B, vitamin E, chromium, copper, iron and zinc.

You can add walnuts to your salad, make sugar coated walnuts, add to your chocolate fudge and bake walnut cookies and puddings to get the nutrients and benefits of walnuts. Walnuts are also sold as a dietary supplement and you can also buy edible walnut oil for cooking and salad dressing.

Among the benefits of eating walnuts are:

May fight breast cancer

W. Elaine Hardman, a biochemistry professor, did a research on walnuts and benefits and reported that the fatty acids, antioxidants and phytosterols in this nut may slow the growth of breast cancer. She also suggested that eating walnuts daily may prevent diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Improving blood cholesterol level

The polyunsaturated fatty acids in walnuts may help improve blood cholesterol levels and reduces the risk of coronary heart disease.

May prevent gout and rheumatism

Walnuts are recommended as a remedy to prevent gout and rheumatism because of the presence of omega-3 fatty acids.

Treating skin problems

Walnut oil is seldom used for cooking because it may lose its oxidant properties. It is usually used for salad dressing. Furthermore it is expensive. It is also found that walnut oil can be used externally to treat skin problems caused by parasites.

Laxative effect

Because of the fiber content, one of the benefits of walnuts is it produces a laxative effect. Eating walnuts is good for your bowels, make your stool softer and help prevent constipation.

Stimulate the immune system

The antioxidant present in walnuts help stimulate the immune system and protect damage caused by free radicals.

May prevent thyroid problems

Black walnut contains iodine and chromium. Chromium helps in enhancing the action of insulin and iodine. And iodine helps synthesize thyroid hormones.

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