4 Health Benefits of Walnuts

4-walnuts-554px

Walnuts are little brain-shaped tree nuts that are packed with nutrition in the same family as pecans, Brazil nuts, cashews, macadamias, pine nuts, and hazelnuts.

Humans have eaten walnuts for nearly 10,000 years. Walnuts were even traded along the silk road, and in ancient times, they were reserved for royalty. However, walnuts were first cultivated in California in the 1700s. Since then, we’ve learned that in addition to being delicious, there is much to love about the humble walnut.

Walnuts are one of the most nutrient-packed nuts available to you. For those on the Kaufmann Diet, they are an item that should always be on your grocery list, for a variety of reasons.

Packed With Healthy Fat

Walnuts are high in alpha-linolenic acid or ALA. ALA is a type of plant-based omega 3 fat, similar to the types of healthy fats found in salmon and olive oil. This type of fat is associated with healthy cholesterol levels. Subsequently, walnut consumption is associated with improved cardiovascular health.

Omega 3 fats are also known to be anti-fungal, making anything containing them great for someone on the Kaufmann Diet to enjoy.

Contain Antioxidants

Walnuts are rich in antioxidants, including some antioxidants that are rare in other foods, making them a unique source of these important compounds.

Everyone knows that antioxidants fight cancer, and to this end, walnuts have been shown to be beneficial against prostate cancer and breast cancer.

Antioxidants play other roles in the body, as well, including fighting inflammation and oxidative damage. To this end, they may be beneficial against aging, heart disease, cancer and other health problems in which inflammation and oxidative stress play a role.

Nuts May Assist in Weight Loss

Once vilified for their fat content, walnuts and other nuts have been vindicated in their status as a health food.

Instead of promoting weight gain, walnuts have shown benefit for those trying to lose weight. A review of studies indicated that those who included a healthful amount of nuts in their diet lost an average of half an inch more off their waistlines than those who did not.

May Be Beneficial for Those With Diabetes

Compounds in these nuts may be beneficial for blood sugar control. Studies indicate a significant improvement in numbers for people with type 2 diabetes who consumed a quarter of a cup of walnuts each day.

Need a delicious way to include more walnuts into your diet?

beet-salad-sm

Beet Avocado and Walnut Salad with Tahini Dressing Recipe

Share on Facebook
Share on Reddit
Share via Email
Share on Twitter

Leave a Reply

Recent Articles

Weekly Q&A Show

Featured Sponsor

Follow Us

Doug's Books

Doug Kaufmann has written many books that cover a full range or health issues. Find out which of his books best suits you by clicking the button below.

The Kaufmann Diet

Doug Kaufmann developed his diet after years studying the clinical effects of pathogenic fungi on the body. Fungi and yeasts can become parasitic organisms on and inside our body, causing health problems that can be difficult to diagnose. Learn more about the Kaufmann Diet, change your life and know the cause.

The Science of Fungus

We encourage all visitors to this site to take some time and study these technical articles prior to initiating lifestyle changes, including dietary changes and to do so with their physician’s awareness and approval. The articles posted in this link are scientific and with few exceptions are taken from medical journals familiar to healthcare workers.

Our Healthy Recipes

Looking for help assembling antifungal Kaufmann Diet approved recipes for breakfast, lunch or dinner? We have several videos, books and recipe write ups here on Know the Cause that will help your health journey. The recipes in this section are so good, you’ll feel like you’re indulging. No sacrifice needed! Enjoy.