Rita beverage Health Benefits of Walnuts

1. Heart Health Benefits of Walnuts

The unique nutritional profile of walnuts provides some important benefits for a healthy heart. They are full of nutrients that are particularly beneficial in terms of improving the way your cardiovascular system functions and potentially reducing the risk of heart disease.

Some of the main walnut heart benefits include:

• High levels of omega-3 alpha linolenic acid linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.

• Vitamin E to prevent cholesterol oxidation within arteries, primarily in the superior gamma tocopherol form.

• Antioxidant phenolic compounds like gallic and ellagic acid, as well as recently identified powerful tannins and other polyphenols that combat free radical damage.

• Heart healthy minerals such as potassium, magnesium and calcium as well as a variety of trace minerals.

• And good levels of the amino acid arginine that has been shown to help improve blood circulation in the body

2. Diabetes Protection

Much of the benefits of walnuts for diabetics come from their positive effects on cardiovascular health. While type 2 diabetes is initially a disease related to blood sugar levels and insulin metabolism, once it has developed, diabetics are at much higher risk of developing cardiovascular problems.

If you are already living with diabetes or considered at risk of developing it please read this article on the 5 most important natural health tips for diabetics. Eating walnuts is a good start but a more holistic approach is desperately needed to halt the rapid rise of this debilitating disease.

3. Cancer Prevention with Walnuts

Walnuts contain a further two unusual compounds to help protect your body from cancer. The phytonutrient juglone, found only in walnuts and black walnuts, has been shown in studies to destroy cancerous cells.

Walnut benefits also include the compound melatonin, which is being studied for its protective effects in reducing oxidative stress that can lead to cancer.

4. Weight Loss Benefits of Walnut

Dieting, counting calories and avoiding fat rarely helps you lose weight. However walnuts, despite their high fat content, just might.

First of all, the fat in walnuts is the healthy natural versions of omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids that our bodies need to operate effectively. There are also high levels of anti-inflammatory omega-3 alpha linolenic acid. Not the type of fat you want to be avoiding for weight loss.

Secondly, with their protein (around 4 grams per ounce) and dietary fiber (approximately 2 grams to the ounce), eating a handful of walnuts is a great way to satisfy your hunger.

5. Walnut Brain Power Food

While the vitamin E and other powerful antioxidant compounds in walnuts would play a protective role, the primary walnut benefits for your brain comes from their high levels of omega-3 fatty acids.

Omega-3 fats are vital for a calm and well functioning brain. Unfortunately, the standard American diet has become so lacking in them that it is estimated that over two-thirds of us are deficient in this vital brain nutrient.

6. Improved Sleep

Walnuts are an unusually high source of the nutrient melatonin involved in regulating our sleep patterns and getting us to fall asleep in the first place. It may also play a part in how relaxed you are during the day (though a good night’s sleep the night before is one of the best ways to ensure this).

Omega-3 fatty acids are another element of walnut nutrition that have a role in maintaining a relaxed mind and good sleeping patterns.

For those of us jacked up on coffee and energy drinks, or stressed out from office work, a bag of fresh organic walnuts like these could be just the medicine they need to calm down and fall asleep more easily when you go to bed