Walnuts are the fruit of trees from the Juglandaceae family, specifically the Iranian or English walnut known scientifically as Juglans regia. Unlike common belief, walnuts are not true nuts but rather edible seeds of a drupe tree. After the edible seed matures and its outer shell is removed, walnuts are used as a seasoning, in food preparation, or as a snack. For those seeking high-quality, fresh walnuts, Hypermarket Faraz in Kuwait offers an excellent selection. This store provides a variety of Iranian products and nuts, including walnuts, ensuring top-notch quality. By shopping at Faraz Hypermarket, you can enjoy the freshness and superior quality of nuts and experience the benefits of walnuts and other seeds.
What is a Walnut?
Walnuts are a drupe fruit and single-seed from the walnut tree, typically used once fully matured. When the fruit reaches maturity and its green husk is removed, the wrinkled, hard wooden shell of the walnut becomes visible. This wooden shell is usually in two pieces, though three or four-part shells may also be present. As the walnut matures, the wooden shell hardens, enclosing the walnut kernel, which is usually divided into two halves by a partition. Walnuts, commonly available as shelled nuts, are enclosed in a thin, brown skin. In this article, we aim to familiarize you with the benefits and potential side effects of walnuts.
walnuts benefits
Due to their diverse nutritional components, walnuts are highly beneficial for overall health and can be consumed raw, roasted, or as walnut oil. Walnuts are particularly rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants compared to other nutrient sources. In fact, walnuts are among the richest natural sources of antioxidants. Antioxidants are substances that protect the body against oxidation or damage caused by free radicals. These free radicals can enter the body through natural processes like metabolism and respiration, or due to external factors such as pollution and smoking. Oxidation and damage from free radicals can be associated with chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, and premature aging. Incorporating walnuts into your diet can help mitigate these damages and improve overall health.
1.Treating Fungal Infections
Walnuts, due to their antifungal properties, can be effective in controlling and treating fungal infections. The walnuts benefits help you alleviate fungal infections on the skin and within the body.
2. Hair treatment
One of the key walnuts benefits is strengthening hair. This dry fruit contains essential nutrients like vitamin E, biotin, magnesium, and zinc that support hair growth and health. Vitamin E in walnuts enhances hair roots, increasing moisture and softness.
3. Reducing Stress
Walnuts contain melatonin, which aids sleep and regulates sleep cycles. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, they help reduce hyperactivity and irritability, especially in children, by improving their essential fatty acid intake.
4. Digestive Health
Consuming walnuts supports the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, positively impacting digestive health and overall well-being. Incorporating walnuts into your diet can enhance gut flora and promote better digestive function.
5. Cancer Risk Reduction
Studies in animals and some human research suggest that consuming walnuts may lower the risk of certain cancers, including breast, prostate cancers.
6. Blood Pressure Reduction
High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. A 2019 study found that walnuts can help reduce blood pressure, even in those with hypertension.
7. Liver Health
Walnuts, with their omega-3 fatty acids and glutathione, aid in liver detoxification and reducing liver fat. Additionally, the L-arginine in walnuts helps improve blood flow and liver function.
8. Regulating Sleep
Walnuts contain melatonin, which helps regulate sleep cycles. The melatonin in walnuts is easily absorbed by the body and improves sleep quality.
9. Bones Strengthen
Walnuts are a rich source of copper, an essential mineral for bone health. Copper supports the production of collagen and elastin, which are crucial for maintaining strong and resilient bones. Including walnuts in your diet can help strengthen bones and prevent conditions related to bone weakness.
10. Reproductive System health
Oe of walnuts benefits is that this nut can enhance the male reproductive system and improve sperm health, playing a significant role in preventing infertility caused by weak sperm. Regular consumption of walnuts increases sperm motility and health, helping to prevent issues related to sperm weakness.
Side Effects of Walnuts
Every food, even if highly beneficial and essential, can cause health issues if consumed in excess. Walnuts are no exception, and instead of providing numerous benefits of walnuts, they can lead to problems when overconsumed. Here are some of the adverse effects of excessive walnut consumption:
- Weight Gain
- Bloating and Diarrhea
- Fatty Liver
- Acne
- Allergies
There are many different types of dishes and desserts that use walnuts, each offering its own unique and exquisite flavor. Depending on your taste and the ingredients you have at home, you can choose and prepare any of them. In this article, we will introduce you to various recipes for dishes and desserts made with walnuts.
Delicious recipes with walnut
- Persian Pomegranate Walnut Stew (Fesenjan)
Fesenjan is a popular and well-known Iranian dish made with walnuts. To prepare this stew, first grind the walnuts and cook them with water and pomegranate paste until you achieve the desired consistency. Then, add chicken or meatballs and season the stew with your preferred spices.
- Walnut Cookies
If you want to nourish yourself with walnuts benefits, walnut cookies are a simple and delicious dessert that you can easily make at home. For these cookies, mix butter, sugar, flour, and chopped walnuts together and bake the dough in the oven. The result is crispy and tasty cookies that can be served as a snack or dessert.
- Walnut Cake
Walnut cake is another popular dessert that combines walnuts, flour, sugar, and eggs. This cake has a delightful taste and a soft, pleasant texture, making it a great choice for parties and celebrations.
- Walnut Granola
Granola is a healthy and nutritious dessert that can be enjoyed as a breakfast or snack. To make granola, mix rolled oats, chopped walnuts, honey, and a bit of coconut oil, then bake it in the oven until crispy and golden. You can serve granola with yogurt or milk. This meal has a lot of walnuts benefits and other healthy products.
- Walnut Bread
Walnut bread is a delicious and nutritious bread that you can easily make at home. To prepare this bread, mix the dough with chopped walnuts and a bit of sugar, then bake it in the oven. This bread can be enjoyed as a snack or breakfast. By preparing and tasting these delicious walnut-based dishes and desserts, you can bring new and diverse flavors to your table and benefit from the nutritional advantages of walnuts.
Conclusion
Walnuts are highly nutritious and beneficial nuts that, when consumed in moderation, can improve health and enhance physical and mental strength. However, excessive consumption of walnuts can lead to unpleasant and sometimes dangerous side effects. To maintain your physical and mental health, make sure to include fresh and healthy walnuts in your diet. Hypermarket Faraz offers the best Iranian products, ensuring you can purchase high-quality walnuts and enjoy walnuts benefits with confidence.
