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Walnuts Are the Healthiest Nut
Walnuts Are the Healthiest Nut
Mark A. Stengler, NMD
Stengler Center for Integrative Medicine
July 22, 2011  
  
Stengler Center for Integrative Medicine
July 22, 2011
W hen it comes to nutritional content, walnuts are  king of the nut world. Walnuts have twice the amount of antioxidants found in  other nuts, such as almonds, pecans and pistachios, according to a recent report  by University of Scranton researchers that was presented at a meeting of the  American Chemical Society. How many walnuts should you eat daily to reap the  benefits? Consider eating four to eight walnuts (approximately 1.5 ounces) daily  in cereals, salads and yogurt -- or by themselves, as a snack. Surprisingly,  walnuts are not fattening... and provide many health benefits... 
WHAT’S REALLY INSIDE THEM? 
Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce inflammation in the  body. They also contain the minerals manganese and copper, both of which play  key roles in the body’s antioxidant network. 
In addition, these tasty nuts contain gamma-tocopherol, a component  of vitamin E that provides antioxidant protection, as well as the amino acid  l-arginine, which improves circulation. Walnuts contain the  phytonutrient ellagic acid, which helps protect against cancer-causing  free radical damage. Walnuts also are a source of the sleep hormone melatonin.  The amount is too small to promote sleep, but the melatonin in walnuts provides  additional antioxidant activity. 
Several studies have shown that the consumption of walnuts reduces the risk  of coronary artery disease. One study found that a walnut-rich diet lowered  levels of C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation, which is  strongly associated with atherosclerosis and heart disease. Walnuts not only  increase levels of omega-3 fatty acids but also decrease the adhesion of  cholesterol to the lining of the arteries. 
A study conducted at the Lipid Clinic at the Endocrinology and Nutrition  Service, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques in Barcelona, Spain, showed that  a walnut-rich diet reduced total cholesterol by 4.4% and LDL (bad) cholesterol  by 6.4%. 
Other studies have found that walnuts significantly increase the elasticity  of the arteries, which is a marker for healthy blood vessels. The Food and Drug  Administration allows walnuts to carry the health claim that "eating 1.5 ounces  of walnuts per day as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may  reduce the risk for heart disease." 
Mark A. Stengler, NMD, is a naturopathic medical doctor and  leading authority on the practice of alternative and integrated medicine. Dr.  Stengler is author of the Bottom Line Natural Healing newsletter, author of The Natural Physician’s Healing Therapies (Bottom  Line Books), founder and medical director of the Stengler Center for Integrative  Medicine in Encinitas, California, and adjunct associate clinical professor at  the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon. www.DrStengler.com
 



