Walnuts are one of the best plant sources of protein. When it
comes to health benefits, walnuts definitely are not a hard nut
to crack. This delicious nut is rich in fiber, B vitamins,
magnesium, and antioxidants such as Vitamin E. Nuts in general
are high in plant sterols and fat-but mostly monounsaturated and
polyunsaturated fats (omega 3 fatty acids-the good fats). Omega
3 is a protective fat the body cannot manufacture. Walnut’s
concentration of omega 3s has many potential health benefits
ranging from cardiovascular protection, to the promotion of
better cognitive function, to anti-inflammatory benefits helpful
to asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory skin diseases
such as eczema and psoriasis. In addition, walnuts contain an
antioxidant compound called ellagic acid that supports the
immune system and appears to have several anticancer properties.
More than a decade of scientific evidence shows that
incorporating walnuts in a healthy diet reduces the risk of
heart disease by improving blood vesse