Health Benefits of Walnuts
Proteins are the building blocks of the human body and walnuts are best and easily consumable source of plant protein. Walnuts are a rich source of fiber, magnesium, Vitamin B Vitamin E and omega 3 fatty acids. Â’ Walnuts contain large quantities of sterols and fats. Most of these are monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats like omega 3 fatty acids. These are good fats and support in lowering the bad cholesterol in the blood. A number of benefits associated with intake of walnuts are:
1.Protect arteries
Walnuts are a rich source of polyunsaturated fats like omega-3 fatty acids and alpha-linolenic acid. Because of its constituents walnuts help to improve artery function especially after intake of a high fat meal. Walnuts thus help in prevention of heart diseases.
2.Natural antioxidants
The human body is a laboratory where biochemical reactions take place continuously. These metabolic reactions produce a large number of free radicals which are toxic and harmful in nature. Walnuts contain omega-3, a polyunsaturated fatty acid which acts as a natural antioxidant and removes the free radicals that are toxic and harmful to the body.
3.Help build immunity
The anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3 fatty acid, present in walnuts helps in building the natural immunity of the body against many diseases. Walnuts provide protection against diseases like cancer, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, eczema and psoriasis.
4.Help in curing insomnia
Melatonin a hormone secreted by the pineal gland of our body is primarily responsible for inducing and regulating sleep. Reduced secretion of this hormone causes insomnia. Walnuts contain melatonin and thus help in improving sleep and curing insomnia.
5.Reduce the risk of heart diseases.
Replacing you intake of saturated fats with walnuts helps in reducing the risk of heart diseases.
6.Good brain food
The outer membranes of brain cells are composed of fats like omega-3. It is these membranes that allow free flow of substances like nutrients in and wastes out of the cells. High concentration of omega-3 fatty acids in walnuts makes them a perfect food for your brain.
7.Prevent weight gain
The constituent proteins and omega-3 fatty acid make it a food that satisfies the stomach. Intake of walnuts helps in reducing desire of food intake and thus prevents weight gain.
8.Prevent constipation.
Walnuts are rich in fiber that helps in better digestion of food and thus prevents constipation.
Although walnuts have a high calorific value but their significant health benefits makes them a good diet for us. It is therefore important to moderate your calorie intake from other high calorie foods like butter and cheese. The best thing is to replace other foods rich in fat contents by walnuts and make your body healthy and free from diseases.
