The role of nuts in heart health

There is a significant amount of research now which highlights the importance of eating nuts regularly for heart health. It is on the basis of this research that the US Food and Drug Administration has approved a qualified health claim for nuts suggesting that, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, consumption of 45g of most nuts per day, may reduce the risk of heart disease.

Almonds
Brazil nuts
Cashews
Chestnuts
Hazelnuts
Macadamias
Pecans
Pine nuts
Pistachios
Walnuts

Health Benefits of Walnuts

Walnuts are one of my favorite nuts (says Stephanie Quilao) as they are tasty on their own and add a nice crunch to salads, yogurt, and cookies. They are also a nice source of protein. One quarter of a cup of walnuts will give you 5g of protein and some healthy monounsaturated fat (MUFA).

walnut leaves

Here are some of the health benefits of walnuts:

•They have one of the highest antioxidant content of the tree nuts
• Are an excellent source of omega-3 essential fatty acids
• Supply MUFAs which has favorable effects on helping reduce high cholesterol levels and improve cardiovascular wellness.
• Contain relatively high levels of l-arginine, an essential amino acid, which is converted into nitric oxide, a chemical that helps keep the inner walls of blood vessels smooth and allows blood vessels to relax thus helping relieve hypertension.

For more health boosting information check out The World's Healthiest Foods page on walnuts.

OTHER LINKS: health benefits, omega 3 source, walnuts

 

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It's official: Nuts are good for your health!

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