The Health Benefits of Walnuts

The health benefits of walnuts are abundant. Chocked full of fatty acids, tannins, vitamins, flavonoids and phenols, most of which are found in the walnut skin, it's no wonder that the heart health, cancer prevention and anti-diabetic properties within this nut are so plentiful. In fact according to an article in the August 2011 issue of Life Extension walnuts are being touted as having twice as many antioxidants as any other frequently consumed nut making them excellent for our fortification.

Improved Cognitive Function

Due to the abundance of omega 3 fatty acids in walnuts, they're referred to as brain food and as such are a great way to boost your brain function. Over 60% of our brain consists of structured fat making it necessary for us have omega 3 as a major component of our diet.

Studies done at Purdue University have shown that children deficient in their concentration of omega 3 fatty acids are more likely to display symptoms of hyperactivity, learning disorders, and behavorial problems.

Cancer Prevention

Gamma-tocopherol, a specific type of vitamin E in walnuts has been shown in research to assist with cancer prevention, primarily zeroing in on breast, prostate and lung cancer.

Endothelin, a condition in which blood vessels become inflamed, especially in the case of prostate cancer, is improved with the fatty acids from walnuts. This finding has encouraged more investigation into walnuts and prostate cancer.

Tumors from breast cancer growth show signs of slowing as a result of walnut consumption among mice who consumed 2.4 ounces of these nuts daily as revealed by a study completed at the California-Davis University.

Bone Health

ALA, otherwise known as alpha-linolenic acid is a component of walnuts and a primary player in creating healthy bones. Findings in research done at Penn State University involving 23 people who ate 4 diverse diets throughout a 6 week period including one that had increased levels of ALA, resulted in lower N-telopeptides, substances that show up in the bloodstream of those with bone breakdown.

Cardiovascular Benefits

Cardio benefits are abundant from eating walnuts. They maintain the integrity of the blood vessels so that they react in healthy ways to various stimulus. This function becomes compromised in heart disease. The ALA, or alpha-linolenic acid is also a benefit to thinning the blood keeping the formation of blood clots at bay.

Source: LIfe Extension August 2011 issue