Handful of walnuts a day can keep health problems at bay

Ever wondered why our parents use to stuff a handful of walnuts in our pockets? Or why doctors and nutritionist love them? Or why they’re in so many sweet and savoury dishes? Well, that’s because walnuts are a powerhouse of nutrition and most important, they are the only nut which is a rich source of plant-based omega-3 ALA

Ever wondered why our parents use to stuff a handful of walnuts in our pockets? Or why doctors and nutritionist love them? Or why they’re in so many sweet and savoury dishes? Well, that’s because walnuts are a powerhouse of nutrition and most important, they are the only nut which is a rich source of plant-based omega-3 ALA. This miracle nutrient is tailor-made to beat all twenty-first-century blues say nutritionists while highlighting the importance of Omega 3 which is available in adequate quantities in walnuts. Here are a few reasons to start the habit of eating walnuts daily.

Eating at least four walnuts a day will help in curing many diseases, including cancer, obesity, diabetes as well as in maintaining body weight, cognitive, reproductive health and more (Unsplash)

1. Enhances health: Eating walnuts decreases the risk of heart disease and stroke. It strengthens the heart’s pumping rhythm and thus, decreases risk of arrhythmias, which can lead to sudden cardiac death. Walnuts support the heart, brain, gut health and keep the immune system strong.

2. Fights depression: Increased stress levels, anxiety and depression are reality of today’s times. To keep a check on them, one must consume a handful of walnuts on a daily basis. Several researches and studies have shown that consuming walnuts daily may lower the prevalence and frequency of depression, and help you stay focused, energized and promote greater optimism.

3. Anti-inflammatory: Walnuts are the only nut with a significant amount of omega-3 ALA, a type of good fat that may reduce inflammation. Inflammation can be caused by a number of things, whether it’s sore muscles after a strenuous workout, a chronic disease or other illness. Walnuts can help reduce inflammation.

4. Rich source of nutrients: Walnuts offer a variety of important nutrients. They contain good fats and are an excellent source of Omega 3 fatty acids. They ensure adequate protein intake, especially among vegetarians, as 28 g of walnuts provides four grams of protein as well as two grams of fibre. Also, Omega 3 works on multiple fronts say experts. It helps lower blood pressure by inhibiting the body’s production of certain substances that contribute to the narrowing of blood vessels.

5. Boost memory and improves gut health: Walnuts help boost memory and improve cognitive function. It is also beneficial for the gut. Research shows that walnuts might be a good choice because of their prebiotic properties which support gut health and enhance the growth of beneficial bacteria.

You can eat walnuts in various forms like salads, or when you’re baking something for your kids like muffins or cake; add walnuts to make the dish healthier. And it can be topped up while making shakes, smoothies and flavoured yogurt.

With inputs by nutritionists Kavita Devgan and Tripti Tandon

California Walnuts presents HT City Spotlight webinar

Session: Fulfil all your nutrition needs with California Walnuts

(In conversation with cardiologist Dr. Kewal Krishan, nutritionist Ryan Fernando and celebrity chef Rakhee Vaswani)

Date and time: Today, 3 PM onwards

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