The wonderful world of walnuts

Originated in the Mediterranean region and Central Asia, Walnuts have been a part of the human diet for thousands of years. It's funny how the nut that is shaped like a brain, when eaten on a regular basis, aids in improving brain health. Apart from that, these are also loaded with heart-healthy fats and are high in antioxidants. Here is what you get when you indulge in this beauty and brain food we call walnuts!

Anti-ageing Antioxidants

Ageing is something that you cannot avoid, but you can definitely do it gracefully without negative effects on your skin, hair and health and this is where walnuts come into the picture. They are loaded with antioxidants that have the ability to control free radicals which have a negative effect on aging.

Omega 3

Omega 3 is one of those good fats that your body requires to get through several everyday functions; however the most important benefit of it is to your heart. Omega 3 helps reduce the levels of LDL or bad cholesterol while improving the absorption of HDL or good cholesterol in your body – which helps control blood pressure and heart disease.

Fruitful fibre  

Dietary fiber promotes healthy bowel function and helps you feel full, a key component in maintaining a healthy weight and walnuts are full of them. Just an ounce of walnuts provides 4 grams of proteins and 2 grams of fiber. More reason to go nutty!

Brain Feed

It is definitely more than a coincidence that walnuts are shaped like a brain. Walnuts are loaded with neuroprotective compounds that work wonders to sharpen and strengthen the working on your brain.

Weight loss

Including walnuts regularly in your diet actually helps you lose weight in the long run. The high fibre and good fat content help satiate hunger pangs and prevent overeating. Make sure you eat them with the skin, because that is where a large part of the nourishment comes from.

Walnut tips, tricks and trivia

Old is gold

Walnuts are the oldest tree food known to man as it was being consumed from as far back as 7000 B.C. Greeks used walnut oil as far back as 4^thcentury B.C., nearly a century before the Romans.

Skin secrets

Nearly 90% of the phenols in walnuts are found in the skin, including key phenolic acids, tannins and flavonoids.

Salad and soup tweak

Add toasted walnuts to your soups and salads instead of bread croutons – you get that lovely crunch plus a delicious nutty flavour.

Walnut Oil

Walnut oil has a strong flavour and is not suitable for preparing certain foods, such as mayonnaise. It is more expensive than extra virgin olive oil, but like olive oil can be used to dress salads.

Leave it

Walnut leaves are used for wrapping cheese and tea since they contain antibiotic substances which preserve the cheese and also impart a slight nutty flavour to it.

Low carb snack

Walnuts are a low-carb food choice, one ounce has only 4 grams of carbohydrates and 190 calories. Lightly toast them in an oven and sprinkle with a spice mix made with castor sugar, salt and paprika.

Walnut Pesto

Using walnuts instead of pine nuts in a pesto not only makes it healthier but also lighter on your pockets. Walnuts are way cheaper and more easily available on any given day.

2^nd place

Walnuts are rated second only to blackberries when it comes to the antioxidant content. The antioxidants in walnuts help prevent heart disease, build immunity and reduce signs of aging.

Diabetic Friendly

Much of the benefits of walnuts for diabetics come from their positive effects on cardiovascular health which includes managing blood sugar levels in the body.

Did you know ¾ of the world’s supply of walnuts comes from California? Head to the website californiawalnuts.in to find out more amazing facts and trivia about Walnuts!

Check out these recipes made using crunchy and nutrient rich walnuts only on Sanjeevkapoor.com