20 Amazing Health Benefits of Walnuts

Walnuts are the powerhouse of nutrients. There are so many health benefits of walnuts, from helping manage weight to reducing LDL. The list is endless.

Including walnuts in your daily diet can be a game changer for your health. Interestingly these nuts are referred to as brain food because the inner portions of the nut resemble the brain.

Walnuts contain omega-3 fatty acids, which is one of the most important elements of a healthy diet. Furthermore, these nuts are easy to add to your diet and affordable.

Walnuts are nutrient-dense nuts known for their rich flavour and numerous health benefits. Incorporating walnuts into your diet can significantly boost your overall health. Take a look at the possible health benefits of Walnuts:

1. Improves Brain Function

There are anti-inflammation benefits of eating pumpkin seeds due to the antioxidant properties present in them. It helps reduce inflammation in the body by protecting the skin cells from the damage of free radicals. Moreover, it is also a rich source of Vitamin A and carotenoids, protecting you from numerous diseases.

2. Maintains Heart Health

One of the many advantages of walnuts is that it maintains heart health. Studies have shown that regular consumption of walnuts results in lower risks of cardiovascular diseases. In addition, walnut oil offers more benefits to the blood and lymphatic vessel lining.

3. Prevents from LDL

The benefits of eating walnuts can be uncountable. Walnuts are a great source of vitamin E, melatonin and organic compounds called polyphenols. A combination of these nutrients can work as a preventive method for bad cholesterol.

4. Supports in Weight Loss

There is a misconception that eating nuts can cause weight gain. However, studies have confirmed that consuming walnuts does not lead to weight gain. Instead, it works as a snack which helps satisfy the cravings and manage weight loss.

5. Helps in Digestion

Another advantage of eating walnuts is it aids in proper digestion. Including walnuts in your diet will increase the production of gut microbiota. These intestinal microorganisms enhance strains of probiotic bacteria. This eventually helps produce butyrate to support a healthy gut.

6. Reduces Inflammation

Inflammation caused due to oxidative stress can cause chronic ailments like heart diseases, Alzheimer’s, type-2 diabetes, and even cancer. Walnuts have polyphenols that can aid in reducing inflammation. Thus, the health benefits of walnuts include the prevention of these diseases as well.

7. Keeps Gut Healthy

The benefits of eating walnuts daily are directly related to promoting nourishment to your gut. The components of walnuts are proven beneficial to the bacteria present in the gut. Thus, it results in keeping your gut healthy.

8. Weight Management

A handful of walnuts can boost your metabolism. The essential fatty acid components in walnuts help in digestion, along with other metabolic processes. Hence, eventually supports weight loss and weight management.

9. Lower Risks of Diabetes

One of the significant health benefits of walnuts is that they can reduce the chances of developing type II diabetes. It is a great source of protein, dietary fibre and healthy fats. Moreover, it has anti-inflammatory properties, which also help lower the risk of diabetes.

10. Promotes Healthy Ageing

Getting older generally impacts people's mobility and other physical activities. The best way to prevent this from happening is to start eating healthy from the beginning. Consuming walnuts and maintaining a healthy diet can preserve such physical abilities.

11. Rich in Antioxidants

Walnuts are packed with antioxidants, including vitamin E and polyphenols. These compounds help fight oxidative stress and protect your cells from damage. Consuming walnuts regularly can contribute to reduced inflammation.

12. Skin Health

Walnuts benefit skin health due to their high vitamin E and antioxidant content. These compounds help protect the skin from oxidative damage and premature ageing. Omega-3 fatty acids in walnuts can also improve skin hydration and elasticity.

13. Hair Health

Walnuts can improve hair health due to their rich content of biotin, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients are essential for strong and healthy hair. Regular consumption of walnuts can reduce hair loss and promote hair growth.

14. Immune System Support

Walnuts are rich in nutrients like vitamin E, zinc, and selenium, which are essential for a healthy immune system. These nutrients help protect the body from infections and diseases.

15. Anti-Cancer Properties

Walnuts have anti-cancer properties due to their high content of antioxidants and polyphenols. These compounds help fight oxidative stress and reduce the risk of cancer.

16. Blood Sugar Regulation

Walnuts can help regulate blood sugar levels due to their low glycemic index and high content of healthy fats and fibre. They can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.

17. Hormonal Balance

Walnuts can support hormonal balance due to their rich omega-3 fatty acids and phytoestrogens content. These nutrients can improve overall hormonal health and reduce symptoms of hormonal imbalances.

18. Sleep Quality

Walnuts can improve sleep quality due to their high content of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. Consuming walnuts can promote better sleep patterns and reduce insomnia.

19. Muscle Recovery

Walnuts can aid in muscle recovery due to their high content of protein, healthy fats, and antioxidants. These nutrients support muscle repair and reduce inflammation. Regular consumption of walnuts can improve overall muscle function.

20. Stress Reduction

Walnuts can help reduce stress due to their high content of omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. These nutrients support overall brain health and reduce anxiety and stress.

If you are wondering what the right way to get all the nutritional value of walnuts is, try adding them to your daily meals. Here are some of the recipes to try.

1. Soak them Overnight

The easiest way to include walnuts in your diet is to soak them overnight and eat them in the morning. Soaking them makes walnuts easier to digest.

2. Make Dips

Roast some walnuts with garlic, lemon juice, oil, salt and pepper, and grind them in a mixer. You get a healthy dip for your pickled vegetables or crackers. This walnut dip is rich in healthy fats and antioxidants.

3. Sprinkle on Salads

Salads are a great meal option if you want to start eating healthy. Toss some walnuts in your salad to add some crunch. Walnuts can be eaten as it is or after being roasted as well. They pair well with leafy greens and cheese, enhancing the overall nutritional profile of your meal.

4. Toss Some in Oatmeal

You can also add some walnuts to your breakfast smoothies. This not only enhances its health benefits but also improves its taste. They provide a good source of protein, healthy fats, and fibre, helping to keep you full longer.

5. Add in Pasta or Vegetables

Dropping a few walnuts in your pasta or vegetables is another way of incorporating walnuts into your diet. They add a delicious nutty flavour and improve the texture while boosting the meal's nutritional value with healthy fats, protein, and essential minerals.

6. Eat as a Snack

Replace your unhealthy snack with a healthier option. You can eat walnuts as a snack. Break the shell and eat the nut to gain its optimum benefits. You can also lightly roast them for more flavours.

Although walnuts contain several healthy organic compounds, there are some risks associated with them.

• Digestive Problems: Consuming an excessive number of walnuts can cause chronic digestive issues. This is because it is high in fibre content. Other issues related to digestion are bloating and stomach pain.
• Can Aggravate Ulcers: Walnuts are rich in dietary fiber. Although these are healthy components, they may also aggravate ulcers. However, it is not likely to happen to everyone.
• Weight Gain: Walnuts are calorie-dense, with about 185 calories per ounce. Consuming large amounts can contribute to weight gain.
• Kidney Stones: Walnuts are high in oxalates, which can contribute to kidney stones. Excessive consumption increases oxalate levels in the urine.
• Nutrient Imbalance: Walnuts are rich in certain nutrients like omega-3s and manganese. Overeating them can cause an imbalance in nutrient intake.
• Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Eating too many walnuts can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort. This includes symptoms like nausea and diarrhoea.
• Impact on Blood Sugar Levels: Walnuts contain melatonin, which regulates sleep cycles. Overeating them can disrupt normal sleep patterns. Excessive melatonin can lead to difficulty falling or staying asleep.
• Increased Cholesterol Levels: While walnuts contain healthy fats, overeating can affect cholesterol. Excessive intake can raise LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.
• Skin Issues: Walnuts are rich in oils that can affect skin health. Overeating may lead to acne or oily skin. The high-fat content can trigger excess oil production.

While walnuts offer numerous health benefits, they may not be suitable for everyone. The following individuals should avoid or limit their walnut consumption due to specific health conditions or allergies:

• People Allergic to Nuts: If someone has any prior reaction after eating nuts, they must immediately stop consuming them. The initial symptoms can be shortness of breath, nausea, nasal congestion, difficulty in swallowing, itching in the mouth, throat, eyes, etc.
• Infants: Since infants do not develop the ability to chew and digest, the risk of choking is possible. Nuts are difficult to bite or break for kids. It can get stuck into their airways and cause extensive damage.
• People with Digestive Issues: Those with digestive problems, like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), may find walnuts exacerbate symptoms. Nuts can be hard to digest and may cause bloating and discomfort.
• People on Certain Medications: Walnuts can interact with specific medications, particularly blood thinners. The high vitamin K content in walnuts may interfere with these medications.
• Those with Kidney Stones: Individuals prone to kidney stones should avoid walnuts due to their high oxalate content. Oxalates can contribute to the formation of kidney stones.
• Those with Low Blood Pressure: Walnuts can affect blood pressure due to their high arginine content. Arginine can cause blood vessels to dilate, potentially lowering blood pressure further.

There are a ton of health benefits of walnuts. They contain healthy fats, antioxidants, and other vital plant compounds. Including these nuts in your daily diet can reduce the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart risk, and even cancer. So, if you want to start a healthier lifestyle, including walnuts in your diet, is the easiest way to begin.