NaturalSociety May 28 2014
“Walnuts are rich in protein, b vitamins, calcium, and iron, just to name a few. The highest concentration of these nutrients is found in the slightly-bitter skin surrounding the nut meat.” ~E. Renter
Nuts often get a bad rep for their fat and high-calorie content. But if you’re avoiding walnuts because you think they may hinder your “diet”, you’ve got it all wrong. Not all calories are created equal, and the health benefits of walnuts make them worthy of a place at your table.
Best eaten raw and whole, walnuts are an excellent source of healthful fats. These omega-3 fats, and specifically alpha-linolenic, offer brain benefits confirmed in numerous studies. Paired with their potential to prevent cancer and protect the heart, walnuts pack a nutritional punch.
One study concluded:
“RESULTS: Results indicated that walnut extract, alpha-linolenic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid provided significant protection against cell death and calcium dysregulation; the effects were pretreatment concentration dependent and stressor dependent. Linoleic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid were not as effective at protecting hippocampal cells from these insults.”
But the benefits don’t stop there.