Dara Farms
Nutrition & Health

Few foods are as good for the human body as walnuts.

Walnuts are unique as one of the most nutrient-dense whole food sources of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an essential omega-3 fatty acid in plant foods. Studies have shown that the omega-3 fatty acid in plant foods may help reduce the risk for heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity and clinical depression.

You'll find Walnuts on numerous "superfood" lists, because of their exceptional nutrient profile and the fact that walnuts earned the first approved health claim by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration for a whole food: "Supportive but not conclusive research shows that eating 1.5 ounces of walnuts per day, as part of a low saturated fat and low cholesterol diet, and not resulting in increased caloric intake may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. See nutrition information for content."

 

I have heard walnuts are good for my health. Aren't all nuts the same?

Walnuts are unique compared to other nuts because they are predominantly composed of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA, both omega-3 and omega-6) rather than monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), which are present in most other nuts. Walnuts are the only nut that contain a significant amount of omega 3 fatty acids.

What are the major differences between black and English walnuts?

California Walnuts are English walnuts. Their scientific name is Juglans Regia. English walnuts are native to the Middle East. The black walnut is a native American species. Currently the black walnut is used mainly as a rootstock for English walnuts. The meats are tasty but thanks to a very thick shell, they are a lot of work to crack and remove from the shell. Nutritionally speaking black walnuts contain approximately 10% less total fat and approximately 80% less omega 3 fatty acids than English walnuts. According to the USDA Nutrient Database, SR 19, one ounce of black walnuts contains 16.7 grams of total fat and .57 grams of omega 3's. One ounce of English walnuts contains 18.5 grams of total fat and 2.6 grams of omega 3's.

I have heard that the walnut in traditional Chinese medicine is an important herb. Can you tell me more?

Hu Tao Ren (walnut) is frequently used to treat back and knee pain and weakness. As the walnut is associated with the lung, kidney and large intestine meridian, some acupuncturists believe walnut tones the kidneys, warms the lungs, and nourishes the blood. If you are interested in exploring the health benefits and uses of walnuts in traditional Chinese medicine, we urge you to consult with your local acupuncturist or compounding pharmacy.

Can you show me some articles about the health benefits of walnuts?

Gladly, but please note Dara Farms is not responsible for the content on these sites.

Walnuts may prevent breast cancer

Walnuts can increase your motor and behavioral skills

Protect your arteries when you eat that steak

General walnut health benefits