Walnuts - Nature Cures®

Table of Contents

Also known as Juglans regia

Walnuts are the oldest tree food dating back to 7000 BC. Originating in Persia (modern-day Iran), they were once reserved for royalty. Their cultivation spread throughout Asia and eventually to Europe and beyond, with English traders mostly responsible for their global distribution.

Brain health

Walnuts have often been thought of as a “brain food,” not only because of the wrinkled brain-like appearance of their shells, but because of their high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids. The brain is more than 60% structural fat. For the brain cells to function properly, this structural fat needs to be primarily the omega-3 fats found in walnuts, flaxseeds and cold-water fish to name a few sources.

This is because the membranes of all the cells, including brain cells or neurons, are primarily composed of fats. Cell membranes are the gatekeepers of the cell. Anything that wants to get into or out of a cell must pass through the cell’s outer membrane. And omega-3 fats, which are especially fluid and flexible, make this process happen easier, thus maximising the cell’s ability to usher in nutrients while eliminating wastes.

Cardiovascular health

Omega-3s benefit the cardiovascular system by helping to prevent erratic heart rhythms, making blood less likely to clot inside arteries (which is one of the main causes of most heart attacks), and improving the ratio of good (HDL) cholesterol to potentially harmful (LDL) cholesterol. Omega-3s also reduce inflammation, which is a key component in the processes that turn cholesterol into artery-clogging plaques.

Anti-inflammatory benefits

Six walnut halves provide 90% of the daily requirement of these essential fats. The health benefits range from cardiovascular protection to the promotion of better cognitive function. They also provide anti-inflammatory benefits helpful in asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis.

In addition, walnuts contain an antioxidant compound called ellagic acid that supports the immune system and appears to have several anticancer properties.

Nerves, hormones and blood sugar regulation

Walnuts are a very good source of manganese which helps to protect nerve functions and hormone production. This also means they are a good food for diabetics as manganese helps to regulate blood sugar.

Bone and joint health

Manganese is also involved in bone structure, so walnuts are good for anyone suffering with bone and joint disorders.

Walnuts are also a good source of copper, which is necessary for the correct functioning of brain cells. It also helps with the maintenance and development of bones, tendons and connective tissues.

Adding walnuts to the diet can be an important step in improving cardiovascular health because they are also an important source of monounsaturated fats. (approximately 15% of the fat found in walnuts is healthful monounsaturated fat). A host of studies have shown that increasing the dietary intake of monounsaturated-dense walnuts has favourable effects on high cholesterol levels and other cardiovascular risk factors.

High blood pressure

Since walnuts contain relatively high levels of l-arginine, an essential amino acid, they may also be of special import when it comes to hypertension. In the body (specifically within those hard-working blood vessels), l-arginine is converted into nitric oxide, a chemical that helps keep the inner walls of blood vessels smooth and allows blood vessels to relax.

Since individuals with hypertension have a harder time maintaining normal nitric oxide levels, which may also relate to other significant health issues such as diabetes and heart problems, walnuts can serve as a great addition to their diets.

Cancer prevention

Walnuts also contain an antioxidant compound called ellagic acid, which blocks the metabolic pathways that can lead to cancer. Ellagic acid not only helps protect healthy cells from free radical damage but also helps detoxify potential cancer-causing substances and helps prevent cancer cells from replicating.

Insomnia aid

Melatonin, a hormone produced by the pineal gland, which is involved in inducing and regulating sleep and is also a powerful antioxidant, has been discovered in walnuts in bio-available form, making them the perfect evening food for a natural good night’s sleep.

NOTE: Eat just six walnut halves a day to receive full benefits. If consumed before bed they will help to provide a restful sleep.

Related subjects

Join our mailing list to receive your monthly emailed newsletter with all the latest scientific findings for natural health remedies.