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Healthy Diet Plans >>
Therapeutic Value of Different Foods >>
Nuts and Seeds >>
Walnuts |
Walnuts source of omega 3
Walnuts are quite a favorite with kids; but who knew that the unassuming but delicious nutty snack is also rich in nutrients and the main source of omega-3 fatty acids! It is proven that our body is incapable of producing omega 3 fatty acids; however, walnuts can provide our body with this special fat, and protect us from a host of ailments like cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases, and even enhance cognitive function.
Rich in monounsaturated fats, walnuts control cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of blood clotting, the reason behind heart attacks. Atherosclerosis, a high-intensity blood clotting ailment can be easily kept at bay with a walnut-rich diet. Overall, walnuts have clearly proved that they can improve cardiovascular function; a) by reducing total cholesterol, b) increasing elasticity of arteries and c) reducing levels of vascular cell adhesion molecules.
Apart from promoting heart health, walnuts also contain an antioxidant compound called ellagic acid, which has several cancer-fighting properties, besides strengthening the body’s immunity, and lessening the severity of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease. Two other antioxidants contained in walnuts are manganese and copper. The omega 3 fatty acids in walnuts control high blood pressure and are even known to better the cholesterol profile of diabetic patients.
Walnuts are a must in your diet if the type of food you consume is high in fat content. The ALA in walnuts actually repairs and supports the artery function after a high fat meal. A walnut snack after a fat-rich meal essentially “kills” e-molecule, a molecule that promotes the sticking of damaged cholesterol on the blood vessel walls.
Ever wondered why walnuts are called brain food? Sure they look like tiny brains, but there’s more to them—the omega-3 fats in walnuts make the process of nutrients-entry and waste elimination into brain cells a lot easier. Moreover, these omega-3 fats help children grow without any behavioral, sleep and learning disorders.
Other health benefits made possible by walnuts are a) healthy bones—by preventing increased bone turnover, b) zero gallstones—by just adding a few walnuts to your diet everyday you can stay clear of gallstones, c) a good night’s sleep—walnuts contain melatonin, an antioxidant (also a hormone that is present in the pineal gland), which induces and normalizes peaceful sleep patterns.
Don’t shy away from consuming walnut fearing weight gain because this is just a myth. Feel free to spread some nut butter on your toast, sprinkle crushed walnuts into yogurt, syrups, salads etc, or add to baked goodies and stuffing.
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| Submitted on February 24, 2009 |
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