1. They can reduce the risk of breast
cancer
Eating about 28 walnut halves a day provides antioxidants and phytosterols
that may help reduce the risk of breast cancer, according to a study at the
Marshall University School of Medicine in West Virginia. Mice were fed a daily
diet with the human equivalent of two ounces (60 g) of walnuts. Compared to mice
fed a control diet, the walnut eaters had significantly decreased breast tumour
incidence and a slower rate of tumour growth.
2. They're packed with omega-3 fatty
acids
A diet rich in omega-3s is beneficial in reducing depression,
attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), cancer and Alzheimer’s disease
and there’s also strong evidence that omega-3s counter inflammatory diseases
such as rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn’s disease.
3. They can reduce risk of diabetes
Women who reported eating one ounce (30 g) of nuts at least five times per
week reduced their risk of type 2 diabetes by almost 30 percent compared to
those who rarely or never ate nuts, say researchers at the Harvard School of
Public Health. The mono- and polyunsaturated fats in nuts are good for insulin
sensitivity.
4. They contain antioxidants that boost heart
health
A new study from the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania shows walnuts
have higher quality antioxidants and a mix of more healthful antioxidants than
any other nut.
5. They can help you deal with
stress
A diet rich in walnuts and walnut oil may help the body deal better with
stress. Research published last year in the Journal of the American College
of Nutrition found that walnuts and walnut oil lowered both resting blood
pressure and blood pressure responses to stress in the laboratory. The
researchers said the study shows that a dietary change could help our bodies
better respond to stress.
