Walnuts: The Crinkly Powerfood

I love walnuts! My mom loved to cook with them because they add flavor and crunch to any meal. Now I know that walnuts are also highly nutritious, so much so that I consider them a powerfood.

12 Benefits of Walnuts:

High in omega-3 fatty acids (just 1/4 cup provides 90.8 percent of the daily value).
Filled with good protein (a single serving has more protein than one egg).
Rich source of minerals (manganese, copper, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc and selenium).
Has no trans fats or cholesterol.
Walnuts have some of the highest antioxidant content of all tree nuts.
High in vitamin E.
Are excellent for the heart and circulatory system.
Packed with B vitamins.
Researchers at Marshall University found that a daily dose of walnuts (equal to 2 ounces a day in humans) reduces the growth of breast cancer tumors in mice.
More effective than olive oil in countering the ill effects of high-fat foods (Barcelona, 2006).
May lower cholesterol and decrease heart disease. The high alpha-linolenic acid content helps maintain the elasticity of the arteries, which aids circulation.
In Chinese medicine, walnuts tonify the kidneys, strengthen the back, act as an astringent to the lungs, relieve asthma, lubricate the intestines and aid rebellious chi.

Walnut Facts: Did You Know…?

It would take 1,051,818,240 walnuts laid end to end to circle the equator.
Walnuts are the oldest tree food known to humans, dating back to 7000 B.C.
California produces two-thirds of the world’s walnuts.
Walnuts are the easiest nut to crack. Some people can do so with their hands.
Walnuts have crinkles on the inside AND the outside. (thus the title)
Dr Oz says they are his favorite nut as long as they are soaked.

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Mac C.

11:07PM PDT on Oct 28, 2011

I enjoyed all the tidbits about walnuts that you shared. I now soak my nuts because of you. Thanks.

send a green star

Jo A.

7:32PM PDT on Sep 21, 2011

Bravo walnuts! Please pass the walnuts! I love walnuts!

Karen L.

9:49PM PDT on Sep 20, 2011

Fabulous!

Margriet M.

7:53AM PDT on Sep 18, 2011

thanks, we have a walnut tree, jummy

Hilary S.

9:01PM PDT on Sep 17, 2011

they are indeed yummy. confession: my gardener pruned someone's tree and gave me a whole lot of green walnuts a couple of years ago. we pickled some and made a potent brew with vodka with the rest. probably not the healthiest way to eat them, but very popular.

Beverly C.

12:03AM PDT on Sep 17, 2011

Thanks for the great info.

Carolanne P.

10:07AM PDT on Sep 16, 2011

Walnuts always remind me of the human brain with their crinkly appearance & 2 halves. They are of course good for the brain too, with the omega oils they contain.

Shalvah L.

8:03AM PDT on Sep 16, 2011

Thank you for the information and link.

Past Member .

4:50AM PDT on Sep 16, 2011

Thanks very much, we always have them, delicious!

Brenda T.

3:35AM PDT on Sep 16, 2011

Delicious and good for you!