Walnuts (Juglans) have been in existence for thousands of years. They date back to 7000 B.C. making this tree nut one of the oldest. According to several accounts, English walnuts originate from ancient Persia and they were only served to royalty. As a result, they earned the name “Persian Walnut”. Here are some health benefits of walnuts.
In times past, walnuts were mostly on the route of the Silk Road between the Middle East and Asia. Through their caravans, walnuts went to various lands, including the far ones. Eventually, they were a popular item sold during the sea trade which made them extend to several parts of the world.
At some point, the merchants on the English marines conveyed these walnuts to other parts of the world to trade. Due to this, they earned the name “English Walnuts”. However, England never planted walnuts for commercial purposes.
Types of Walnuts
There are over a dozen species of walnuts and only a few are edible. However, walnuts have two major ones. Some of the popular ones include the English walnut, little walnut, Japanese walnut, California black nut, Andean walnut, and butternut. These walnuts are common in Asia, North America, and Europe.
Health Benefits of Walnuts
Walnuts are rich in several nutrients such as omega-3 fats,
protein, fiber, etc. Walnuts are also highly rich in antioxidants, can boost brain health, and enhance resistance to heart diseases and cancer. They have been proven to reduce the impact of alzheimers disease.
They consist of about 65% fat and 15% protein with low carbs. In addition, walnuts have about calories of about 185, about 0.7 grams of sugar, 4% water, 3.9 grams of carbs, 18.5 grams of fat, 4.3 grams of protein, and 1.9 grams of fiber.
A large percent of the calories in walnuts are gotten from fat making them enrgy dense with high calories. However, this does not mean that they can cause obesity when eaten a lot. Unlike other nuts, walnuts contain a rich amount of polyunsaturated fats with a high omega-6 fatty acid commonly known as linoleic acid
Walnuts have a good amount of different minerals and vitamins. They are Vitamin E, phosphorus, copper, vitamin B6, folic acid, and manganese. The antioxidants in walnuts include catechin, ellagitannins, melatonin, and ellagic acid. These nuts have several amazing facts that you need to read on to discover.
Different Facts About Walnuts
Walnuts have various unknown facts. Knowing these facts helps to get the best in them. Some of them are;
- Walnuts are rich in healthy fats and omega-3s which is beneficial to the brain and heart and reduces the body’s inflammation
- They have several nutrients such as providing magnesium and phosphorus. Respectively, they boost the muscle’s strength and bone mass. They guarantee satisfaction when eaten
- They are known as one of the oldest nuts as they date back to 7,000B.C. This is one of the contributing factors to its popularity.
- Meals that contain about 6% of walnuts can improve heart and brain health/function making them less susceptible to diseases.
- They do not cause weight gain and they sometimes lessen fats
in the belly as long as your calorie intake is controlled. The protein, fat content, and fiber they contain help to keep one satisfied for a long time
- They contain low cholesterol, raise beneficial HDL cholesterol, help to reduce the body’s harmful LDL cholesterol, as well as the total cholesterol.
- Reports states that walnuts reduce high blood pressure, inflammation, and increase the function of the blood vessel.
- They last for a longer time and retain freshness when you store in a refrigerator as warmer temperatures are not a good storage area for them.
- Walnuts are used to make milk known as “walnut milk”. They are also good for making smoothies
- They have high calcium which are very good for improving bone strength.
- Due to the deliciousness in walnuts, they are useful in making several meal options ranging from appetizers to desserts. Their deliciousness makes them versatile.
2 Meals that are Perfect for Walnuts
Walnuts are inexpensive, delicious and have several health benefits. This makes them perfect for several meals such as smoothies, etc. Below is a list of some of the meals that you can add walnuts to;
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Walnut Chandler Halves & Pieces
Walnuts are useful making this snack and it contains no corn syrup nor peanut. They are gluten and wheat free. Walnuts contain soy, vegan, and no preservatives. It is a perfect snack for gifting family and friends.
These delicious walnuts are extremely delicious and contain all the nutritions that walnuts possess. You can order a delicious pack here.
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Sweet Candied Walnuts
To make this snack, add sugar to boiling water until the sugar completely dissolves. Afterwards, add the nuts and stir well until the color turns golden. This may take some time and effort but hang in there.
You will then put everything in a skillet and while you wait for the walnuts to toast, make a caramel sauce. Once you melt the sugar and coat the walnuts, pour it into a lined baking tray and create distance between each of them to help them cool faster.
The Takeaway
The numerous health benefits of walnuts and delicious taste is enough to cause high cravings for the nuts. This is one nut you may consider buying constantly because of its numerous benefits. Shop today at L’Orenta Nuts for fresh and delicious walnuts delivered directly to your house.