Walnuts are nuts that we often consume as snacks. Most people may only know white walnuts. However, in fact there are also black walnuts. Just like white walnuts, black walnuts that grow wild in most part of the United States are also highly nutritious and have lots of benefits for health. As quoted from Medical News Today, here are the health benefits of black walnuts:
- Reducing the risk of heart disease. Experts believe that consumption of nuts can improve overall heart health, thanks to their high content of antioxidants and fatty acids. According to International Journal of Food Properties, there are several studies that have proven that consumption of nuts, including black walnuts, can reduce the risk of heart attack, sudden cardiac death, and other heart- related diseases.
- Reducing blood pressure. Black walnuts contain arginine, an amino acid that can turn into nitric acid in the body, which plays a role in enlarging blood vessels. In addition, black walnuts also contain tannins which can also help lower blood pressure and reduce blood fat levels.
- Lower cholesterol levels. Black walnuts are rich in phytosterol, which can help in limiting the absorption of cholesterol in the body. This can help reduce the body's cholesterol levels. In addition, the omega-3 contained in black walnuts can also help maintain cholesterol levels in the body.
- Reducing the risk of cancer. According to a study conducted by the Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, India, chloroform and ethyl acetate compounds contained in walnuts can prevent the growth of cancer cells, especially liver cancer. According to International Journal of Food Property, y-tocopherol contained in black walnuts can also prevent the growth of prostate cancer cells.
- Preventing neurological diseases. Black walnuts are rich in ellagitannins, polyphenols that have anti-inflammatory properties and can also fight free radicals in the body. According to a study published in Food Science and Nutrition, these compounds can prevent the emergence and development of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's.
Text by Anggie Triana
Stock photos from Image Google Search
Source(s):
- Medical News Today - Are black walnuts good for you? (2019). https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324629.php, April 4, 2019.
- Healthline - Black Walnuts: A Nutritious Nut Reviewed (2019). https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/black-walnut, April 4, 2019.