Health Benefits of Walnuts You May Not Know About

Like their other tree nut cousins, walnuts provide many surprising health benefits. They originated in Persia and were imported to North America in the 1700s. Most walnuts in the US are grown in California, with some farms in the Midwest as well.

With their tan shells intact, walnuts are typically the size of golf balls: when you open the shell, you’ll find the golden-brown nut inside, packed with nutrients. Learn about some of the health benefits of walnuts you may not know about and more fun facts about this delicious tree nut!

Lower Cholesterol

Walnuts are full of healthy fats called polyunsaturated fats. Ingesting this type of fat instead of artery-clogging saturated fats can reduce your cholesterol levels. Walnuts also provide omega-3 fatty acids, the building blocks of our cells that protect our immune systems.

Prevent Heart Disease

Lowering your cholesterol prevents your risk of heart disease and reduces inflammation, which can adversely affect your heart and other systems in your body. Inflammation also increases your chances of infection, chronic illnesses, and blood clots. Walnuts also have more antioxidants than any other typical nut; antioxidants fight free radicals, which cause inflammation.

Reduce Cancer Risk

Further research is needed, but some studies show the minerals inside walnuts can prevent cancer. Like pecans, walnuts contain ellagic acid, which is an antioxidant found in plants. Bacteria in our gastrointestinal tract digests ellagic acid into compounds that can lower our risk of some cancers.

Fun Facts

Here are some other facts about walnuts you may not be aware of:

• Walnuts are technically classified as fruits.
• Walnut trees can create nuts for over 100 years.
• Walnuts are the oldest tree food known to humanity.
• Ancient Greeks called walnuts karyon, which means “head.”
• You can lengthen walnuts’ shelf life by storing them in the fridge or freezer.

These health benefits of walnuts you may not know about can help you greatly if you incorporate walnuts into your daily diet. You can find fresh walnuts for sale online at Sohnrey Family Foods!