Walnuts: Nutritious Nuts for Heart and Brain Health

Walnuts are nuts that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and various vitamins and minerals. Consuming walnuts has been associated with improved heart health, brain function, and reduced inflammation.
Category
Food
Where to get
Available in grocery stores and supermarkets.
Prepared by Shruti Sahoo, reviewed by Dr. Eugene Smith

Walnuts FAQ


Image credit: health.harvard.edu

What is a common walnut?

Here’s everything you need to know about the common walnut. Walnuts are made up of 65% fat and about 15% of protein. They’re low in carbs — most of which consist of fiber. A 1-ounce (30-gram) serving of walnuts — about 14 halves — provides the following nutrients ( 2 ):

What is a walnut nut?

Walnuts ( Juglans regia) are a tree nut belonging to the walnut family. They originated in the Mediterranean region and Central Asia and have been part of the human diet for thousands of years. These nuts are rich in omega-3 fats and contain higher amounts of antioxidants than most other foods.

Are walnuts unique?

While this new research is intriguing, it also raises the question of whether walnuts are unique in some way. In fact, it may be the types of oils in walnuts that make them special when it comes to cardiovascular health. Walnuts contain a lot of polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are healthier than saturated fats.

Are walnuts good for You?

Walnuts have shown promise in heart health for years thanks to their antioxidant content, but emerging research suggests eating this nut may help bridge nutrient gaps among adults and kids alike. Other research supports their benefits for gut health, memory, mood, blood sugar, reproductive health benefits and more. Read on to get the full scoop.

How many ounces of walnuts a day?

A typical serving size is one ounce (28 grams) of walnuts per day. Key Point: Walnuts provide a good source of fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals. They are also full of healthy fatty acids, including omega-3. There are many benefits (and potential benefits) of walnuts.

Are walnuts edible?

Walnuts are most often eaten on their own as a snack but can also be added to salads, pastas, breakfast cereals, soups, and baked goods. They’re also used to make walnut oil — an expensive culinary oil frequently used in salad dressings. There are a few edible walnut species.

Walnuts References

If you want to know more about Walnuts, consider exploring links below:

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