6 Health Benefits of Walnuts

We’re here to tell you that you should consider Falling in Love with a Nut. A Wal-nut, that is.

This hard-shelled snack with a soft inner gift is versatile and offers plenty in terms of nutrition. Learn more about the health benefits of this healthful nut below:

1. Walnuts Offer a Ton of Health Benefits

Walnuts are rich in antioxidants and may disable free radicals and help to prevent cancer cells from dividing. The high Vitamin E content found in walnuts also may assist in cancer prevention. Walnuts appear to kill certain types of cancer cells while leaving the healthy cells intact.

2. They Lower Cholesterol

Try a handful of walnuts every day to lower bad cholesterol (LDL) while at the same time raising good cholesterol (HDL) levels. Not having enough HDL, and having too much LDL, contributes to clogged arteries–which we all know is bad news.

3. Walnuts are Packed with Vitamins

This wonderful nut is packed with nutrients that protect our delicate skin. Vitamins A, C and E are often found in skin creams which profess to make us look younger. No professing here—-Mr. Walnut tops the list of foods that fight aging by protecting our skin against sun damage and atmospheric pollutants. This nut just happens to be one of the Super foods that contains skin saving vitamins A, B, C, and E…naturally.

4. Walnuts Can Help You Lose Weight

Need to lose a few unwanted pounds or having trouble keep weight off? Walnuts are packed with Omega-3 fatty acids which may help in shedding those last few stubborn pounds. By eating 4-5 walnut halves a day, maintaining an otherwise healthy diet, and incorporating exercise on a daily basis, walnuts can speed up your metabolism and assist in losing weight more quickly.

5. They’re a Natural Sleep Aid

Trying to kick the sugar habit?  By eating 1/4 cup natural walnuts daily, your sugar cravings will be greatly reduced.

Do you ever think to yourself on those restless nights, “If only I had a natural sleep aid?” Mr. Walnut to the rescue!!!  Melatonin occurs naturally in walnuts, which has been shown to be an effective sleep aid. It also helps to lessen the effects of jet lag.

6. Walnuts Can Boost Energy Levels and Increase Memory

Memory problems? Try eating 10 walnut halves daily. This may reduce the risk, or slow the onset, of Alzheimer’s disease. Laboratory studies have shown that diets containing at least 2% walnuts may reverse age-related motor and cognitive deficits.

Walnuts are an amazing energy booster. Feeling a little sluggish around mid-morning? Try a handful of walnuts and raisins to keep energy levels up throughout the day. This makes walnuts a great pre-workout food.

Source:

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