Walnuts are delicious, wrinkly tree nuts that are loaded with incredible health benefits. They boost brain power, improve digestion, strengthen your skeletal system, reduce inflammation, balance your blood sugar and keep your heart healthy.
They contain plenty of essential vitamins and minerals, as well as being full of healthy fats, antioxidants and disease fighting compounds: it’s no wonder that walnuts have been consumed for thousands of years as a powerful source of nutrition.
Just 7 walnuts a day can give you a significant health kick, and here are 11 impressive ways that they benefit your body:
- They Strengthen your Cardiovascular System
Walnuts offer an intense dose of Omega 3 fatty acids, which have been proven to reduce the risk of developing heart disease and stroke significantly. Good cholesterol (HDL) levels are kept in balance with bad cholesterol (LDL) levels, which keeps your cardiovascular system strong and healthy.
- They Improve Digestion
Each serving of walnuts is high in fiber, offering up to 20% of your daily recommended amount per cup. Dietary fiber helps to keep your digestive system regular, eliminating excess fat, waste and toxins and boosting nutrient absorption.
- They Keep Bones Thick and Strong
The excellent dose of potassium, calcium and magnesium in each walnut has proven to strengthen the skeletal system, which helps to prevent arthritis, joint pain and brittle bones from developing.
- They Balance Bodily Fluids
By eating more walnuts you will be assisting your body to balance fluid levels, and to eliminate excess water, toxins and waste. The rich source of potassium and magnesium means a leaner, lighter body without carrying excess fluid around.
- They Prevent Muscle Cramps
Magnesium and Potassium are essential for fatigued, stiff muscles, as they help to increase blood flow and promote repair of muscle tissue. Each cup of walnuts meets 31% of magnesium and 10% of potassium’s daily recommended amount.
- They Give You Energy
Walnuts are a high energy source of nutrition, offering 523 calories per cup! They also contain plenty of iron, which boosts red blood cell count and increases oxygen flow throughout your body: the more oxygen, the more energy you will have.
- They Help to Lower Blood Pressure
Studies have proven that antioxidants, magnesium, potassium and iron are excellent in managing and preventing hypertension, and walnuts are loaded with all of them! By relaxing arteries, boosting red blood cell count, balancing fluid levels and reducing oxidative stress in the cardiovascular system you will benefit from lower blood pressure and less chance of having a heart attack.
- They Make You Smarter
Studies have proven that walnuts contain just the right ingredients to make you smarter, boosting electrolyte balance and chemicals in the brain to increase cognitive function, memory retention and eliminating fatigue. The potassium, magnesium, iron, antioxidants and Omega 3 fatty acids in every walnut have proven to be excellent for your brain.
- They Reduce Stress
Stress is the number one cause of death and disease, and walnuts are the perfect antidote. The rich source of Omega 3 fatty acids and potassium has proven to regulate cortisol and adrenaline, which are the stress hormones in the body. The magnesium also offers tense muscles a warm, soothing and relaxing effect, further reducing stress.
- They Give You Better, Deeper Sleep
Walnuts stimulate the production of melatonin, which is a natural substance that promotes better, deeper sleep. By eating a handful of walnuts before bedtime you will feel more relaxed and will get a proper night’s rest, which helps to eliminate fatigue, insomnia and the detrimental effects of insufficient sleep.
- They Improve Your Complexion
A simple walnut snack has been proven to improve your complexion, offering Vitamin B6, Vitamin E and plenty of antioxidants to keep skin supple, smooth and problem free. Walnuts help to reduce the visible signs of ageing, and feed skin tissue exactly what it needs to stay young and healthy.
Sources:
http://healthyhubb.com/9-health-benefits-of-walnuts/
http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/omega-3-fats/
More Posts By Author Sophie Robinson.
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