W is for Walnuts

HEALTH MATTERS – ALPHABET OF HEALTHY FOODS – W IS FOR WALNUTS

I love walnuts, they are one of my favourite health foods. Walnuts grow on trees and do well in this country, their botanical name is Juglans Regia. They are the oldest tree food known to man, dating back to 7000 B.C. They contain many health benefits and are a good brain food – they even look like a little brain! Nature has a wonderful way of letting us know what is good for us.

🧠 Walnuts contain potassium, Vitamin E and B vitamins thiamine and niacin, they have the highest antioxidant activity than any other nuts. They also contain copper, folic acid, phosphorus, and manganese.

🧠 Walnuts provide a useful plant-based source of protein.

🧠 Walnuts are a high fibre food, and we all need to be ingesting more fibre.

🧠 Walnuts provide us with essential fatty acids which helps nourish the nervous system and together with the protein are vital for normal tissue growth and development.

🧠 Research suggests that the nutrient-dense walnut may help protect against brain decline, heart disease and cancer. It seems walnuts have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body. Inflammation is responsible for many diseases.

🧠 Moderation is important when eating walnuts because like all nuts they have a high fat content 18 grams in a 1 ounce serving, approximately 7 walnuts but this is good fat polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fat and an excellent source of alpha-linolenic acid the omega 3 fatty acid.

I always recommend my weight reduction clients to choose nuts as a snack and to keep unsalted nuts in the car to help avoid sugary snack on long journeys.

Walnuts can be added to breakfast cereals, salads and let’s not forget banana and walnut cake which is one of my favourites! In moderation of course. 😊

Live with joy and health 💚
Elizabeth Beetham