What are the nutritional value and health benefits of walnuts?
1. Nutritional value Walnut kernels are rich in nutrients, containing abundant protein, fat, minerals and vitamins. According to measurements, every 100 grams of walnut kernels contain 15.4 grams of protein, 63 grams of fat, 10.7 grams of carbohydrates, 108 mg of calcium, 329 mg of phosphorus, 3.2 mg of iron, 0.32 mg of thiamine, 0.11 mg of riboflavin, and 1.0 mg of niacin. The fat contains a high amount of linoleic acid, giving it high nutritional value; in addition, it is also rich in vitamin B and vitamin E.
Pictured: walnuts
Research has found that every 100 grams of walnut kernels contain 20.97 units of antioxidant substances, which is 20 times higher than oranges; spinach has 0.98 units of antioxidant components, carrots have 0.04 units, and tomatoes have 0.31 units. Scientists believe that when people absorb the antioxidant substances in walnuts, it can protect the body from many diseases. To date, people have known that regularly eating walnuts can reduce cholesterol levels in the blood and reduce the likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease.
2. Benefits and effects Walnut kernels have very high edible and medicinal value. The main component of the fat contained in walnuts is linoleic acid glyceride; after eating it, it not only does not raise cholesterol, but can also reduce the intestinal absorption of cholesterol. Therefore, it can serve as a tonic for patients with high blood pressure and arteriosclerosis. In addition, these oils can also supply the needs of the brain matrix. The trace elements zinc and manganese contained in walnuts are important components of the pituitary gland; regular consumption is beneficial for nutritional supplementation of the brain and has a brain-boosting and intelligence-enhancing effect.
Walnuts are not only the best brain-boosting food, but also a treatment for neurasthenia. For elderly people with symptoms such as dizziness, insomnia, palpitations, forgetfulness, poor appetite, soreness and weakness of the waist and knees, and general weakness, eating 1 to 2 walnut kernels each morning and evening every day can provide a nourishing and therapeutic effect. Walnut kernels also have relatively high medical effects on other conditions, such as the functions of replenishing qi and nourishing blood, moistening dryness and resolving phlegm, warming the lungs and moistening the intestines, and dispersing swelling and disinfecting. Scientific research in recent years has also proven that walnut twigs have a certain anti-tumor effect.
Walnut kernels contain linolenic acid as well as calcium, phosphorus, and iron, and are an ideal skin beautifying agent for the human body. Regular consumption can moisturize the skin, darken the beard and hair, and has the function of preventing premature graying and hair loss.
Walnut kernels also contain a variety of trace elements needed by the human body and are an important auxiliary material in Chinese patent medicines, with effects such as regulating qi and nourishing blood, relieving cough and resolving phlegm, and moistening the lungs and tonifying the kidneys. When feeling fatigued, chewing some walnut kernels has the effect of relieving fatigue and stress.