Benefits of walnuts
The beneficial properties of walnuts are undeniable and have long been scientifically proven. They contain a huge amount of substances necessary for our body. These substances help maintain good health. Thus, walnuts contain substances such as:
- Contains a large amount of easily digestible protein. It is absorbed by the body much more easily than animal protein and is a building material for muscles.
- It is a leader among other nuts in terms of omega-3 fatty acid content.
- Source of vitamins and microelements. These include vitamins A, B, C, E.
- 20 amino acids necessary for our body are contained in this product.
- There are antioxidants that support the youth of cells, and, consequently, the entire body.
- They contain a large amount of fiber, which is necessary for improved digestion.
- Rich in such important chemical elements as potassium and magnesium, zinc and iodine, phosphorus, copper and iron.
The energy value is high. 100 g contains 650 kcal, 15.2 g of protein, 65.2 g of fat, 7 g of carbohydrates. The glycemic index of this type of nut is low - only 15. This index shows the change in blood sugar levels relative to the carbohydrate content of the product.
Beneficial features:
- Eating walnuts helps fight diseases of the cardiovascular system. The substances contained in it strengthen the heart muscle, normalize blood pressure, prevent the risk of blood clots and reduce excess fat in the blood - triglycerides. The potassium contained in this nut helps regulate heart rhythm and blood flow.
- Some substances strengthen the musculoskeletal system. They make bones, teeth, hair strong and healthy, and also help with the healing of fractures, even for older people.
- Thanks to the antioxidants and vitamins contained in walnuts, oxidative processes slow down, as well as the aging process. They keep the skin toned. She looks fresh and radiant. Also, antioxidants help in the prevention of cancer and cleanse the body of toxins.
- The high iodine content allows for the prevention of thyroid diseases. There is especially a lot of it in the septa of the nucleoli; a decoction is made from them and serious problems with this gland are treated.
- The nutrient content of these nuts is undeniably high. It allows you, by eating a small amount of this product, to remain energetic and full for a long time.
- It is very noticeable that the shape of walnuts very much resembles the cerebral cortex. This is probably just a coincidence, but the benefits of this product for improving brain activity are obvious. Nuts help improve memory, concentration, help you sleep better at night, relieve nervous tension and prolong the life of brain cells.
Benefit
The usefulness and medicinal properties of walnuts are due to the content of a large number of vitamins, macro- and microelements. It perfectly improves immunity, which is why doctors recommend including it in the diet, especially in the spring and autumn, when vitamin deficiency is clearly visible.
By consuming the product every day, a person covers the need for substances that are of particular importance for the normal functioning of the body. This eliminates deficiency conditions. The body begins to work to its full potential, strength and a sense of vigor appear, and many diseases recede. The benefits of these fruits for women are extremely great and require detailed consideration.
For prevention
The advantage of walnuts is their high content of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which promote the renewal of body cells, strengthen the immune system, improve blood clotting and prevent the development of many diseases. Nuts are capable of:
- reduce the amount of bad cholesterol and increase the volume of good triglycerides in the blood, thereby suppressing the risk of strokes and diseases of the cardiovascular system;
- regulate blood pressure and reduce the likelihood of coronary insufficiency due to the content of anti-inflammatory substances;
- prevent the accumulation of fat on the walls of the arteries, thanks to the arginine amino acid, the breakdown process of which leads to the dilation of blood vessels and their cleansing of cholesterol plaques;
- prevent the development of inflammatory diseases (asthma, eczema, arthritis), due to the content of fatty acids;
- regulate the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract as a source of fiber;
- prevent the development of cancer due to the content of fatty acids, vitamin E, antioxidants and phytosterol;
- regulate the functioning of internal organs, thanks to the usefulness of the minerals included in the product (calcium, potassium, manganese, iron, zinc, copper, etc.);
- participate in the formation of teeth and bones due to the content of linolenic acid;
- prevent aging and prolong life, thanks to vitamin E and antioxidants included in the product (carotenoids, melatonin, ellagic acid, polyphenolic compounds).
Gynecological problems
In gynecological practice, the benefits of walnuts for women are due to their antiparasitic and hemostatic properties, which open up the possibility of making infusions and decoctions that help in the treatment of the following problems and diseases:
- hormonal disbalance;
- uterine bleeding;
- menstruation disorders;
- ovarian cyst;
- endometriosis;
- erosion;
- fibroids, uterine fibroids;
- infertility.
Preparations based on walnuts are used in gynecology for external (douching) and internal use. For example, when treating cysts and fibroids, it is recommended to take a special infusion, in which 10-15 young nut fruits are poured with a liter of vodka or medical alcohol. Store in a closed glass container for a month in a dark place, after which it is filtered. Reception rate – 1 tbsp. l. 3 times a day. The course of treatment is a month.
It is useful to combine the internal use of the tincture with douching with a decoction, for the preparation of which 50 g. nut shells are poured with a liter of water. Then simmer over low heat for 15 minutes, and before use, dilute half with water.
Reference.
Eating walnuts during menstruation relieves lower back pain and eliminates muscle spasms in the lower abdomen.
Cosmetology
Walnuts are widely used in the manufacture of skin and hair care cosmetics. The high content of vitamin F allows the product to be used in the production of creams, cleansers and tonics. Cosmetics based on walnuts improve the functioning of the skin, eliminate excess sebum and oily shine.
You can prepare a facial scrub at home. To do this, you need to mix 5 crushed fruits and 5 tbsp. l. cottage cheese. Apply the prepared mixture to your face, massage gently and rinse with warm water. Walnut oil will help protect the skin from the adverse effects of external factors. It is actively used in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. It has anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties, which makes it successfully used in the treatment and prevention of psoriasis, candidiasis and other skin diseases.
Walnuts are an excellent hair nourisher. The product contains vitamin B7, which strengthens hair, promotes hair growth and prevents hair loss.
After 30 years
Hormonal changes that occur after age 30 require more careful self-care. Such a failure can lead to breast diseases and oncology. Unripe walnuts have powerful potential in the treatment of hormonal disorders. After 30 years, walnut fruits are able to compensate for the lack of vitamins B, E, A and C, which help slow down the aging process and strengthen the body's defenses.
For women over 40 years old
At this time, the skin fades, becomes dry, wrinkles appear, as well as problems with the intestines (due to decreased elasticity of the walls). Therefore, the menu of women after 40 years must include walnuts, rich in protein and essential fats. They contain a large amount of the vitamin of youth - tocopherol and useful substances that stimulate brain function.
Important!
Thanks to its calcium content, walnuts help prevent the development of osteoporosis, especially for women over 40.
After 50 years
In this period, age-related changes are evident. Most women experience menopause, some experience menopause. Hormonal levels change. The level of estrogen, which maintains skin freshness and vascular elasticity, decreases.
As hormone production decreases, the process of wrinkle formation accelerates. Skin looks tired. The tone of blood vessels decreases, causing them to become more fragile. After 50, most women's blood pressure increases. Bones also become more fragile due to lack of calcium.
Walnuts will help slow down many irreversible processes and improve the condition of the body, namely the beneficial substances included in the composition:
- magnesium - improves the functioning of the cardiovascular system;
- calcium - strengthens bones;
- vitamin E - slows down aging;
- vitamin C - strengthens the body's defenses;
- Omega-3 - will prevent the formation of cholesterol plaques in blood vessels, improve memory, and also reduce inflammation in the joints.
During pregnancy
Walnuts are the healthiest nuts for women expecting the birth of a baby. They contribute to the saturation of the body with fatty acids and the proper formation of the child’s brain inside the womb. Folic acid, which is part of the product, ensures normal development of the fetus and eliminates the risk of developing pathologies.
Important!
When consuming walnuts during pregnancy, you must agree with your doctor on the daily intake and do not overuse the product. Typically pregnant women are allowed to eat 10-12 fruits per day.
Walnuts while dieting
In addition to the enormous health benefits of our entire body, walnuts also have benefits during the diet. Basically, girls who are losing weight try to avoid eating this product during a weight loss diet. However, you shouldn't do this. Many nutritionists have proven that this is an excellent product that will help any girl lose weight. In order to lose excess weight, but not spoil your health, you must eat nuts, especially walnuts.
Due to the high content of dietary fiber, you can avoid feeling hungry for a long time. Fiber improves the digestive system, strengthens the stomach, helping to digest food faster. Walnuts also reduce appetite.
Being a source of a huge amount of nutrients, they help you lose weight, even despite their high calorie content. They give the body long-lasting energy that will last throughout the day.
This product contains a special vegetable fat that breaks down and removes cholesterol from the body. Magnesium burns excess fat and reduces the risk of diabetes (Oxford University study).
One of the reasons for rapid weight gain is a hormone imbalance. Walnuts help maintain the proper production of hormones in the body.
The high protein content allows you to rapidly gain muscle mass, thereby getting rid of excess fat. This way you will quickly acquire a beautiful figure, and even with sculpted muscles. Thanks to all the beneficial substances, the results of the diet will be noticeable in just one month.
Walnut oil for effective weight loss
Today, there are many diets that allow you to quickly and effectively lose weight. However, the diet always remains a diet with limited calories or consumption of strictly defined foods. If you are not sure whether you can withstand the next diet weeks, you can try a reliable and proven method - eating walnuts .
Pros and cons for nut lovers
Like any dietary product, walnuts have their pros and cons. Pros:
- The most important property of this product is the acceleration of metabolism in the body. When you eat these wonderful nuts, the body itself is rebuilt and begins to lose weight. However, you shouldn’t get too carried away with them. After all, the nut is 75% fat, so it is recommended to eat 2-3 kernels per day.
- Walnut is a real storehouse of nutrients. First, it contains protein necessary for the formation of muscle tissue. Secondly, it contains omega 3 fatty acids, which prevent the development of cancer and damage to the cardiovascular system. A high concentration of vitamins B, E, magnesium, magnesium, calcium, iron and iodine supports all vital systems of the body, reduces cholesterol, improves digestion and skin condition, improves immunity and optimizes brain function.
- Eating walnuts helps suppress the desire to eat a piece of cake or chocolate candy, as they quickly cause a feeling of fullness and satisfaction. The only downside is that you are allergic to this product. Since the protein content of walnuts is approximately 15%, an allergic reaction (redness, itching or rash) may occur. Then, of course, it is better to refuse such a diet.
Nut menu and its basic principles
Eating large amounts of sweet and fatty foods, and several nuts a day, makes it very difficult to achieve a positive result. Therefore, it is worth paying attention to the following principles:
- Eat 2-3 kernels per day and do not exceed the norm, due to the high fat content in nuts.
- Avoid flour. Nuts are an excellent substitute for high-calorie sweets and buns.
- If you prefer roasted nuts (they are highly digestible), fry them in a minimal amount of oil.
- It is advisable to eat nuts for breakfast along with porridge or vegetable salad.
- Eliminate fatty meats from your diet. Replace it with fish, chicken, beef and seafood.
- As for vegetables, avoid potatoes.
Recipes for dishes with nuts:
- Salad with beets and nuts. Grate the boiled beets, add washed prunes, walnuts, squeeze out a few cloves of garlic. Season with sour cream.
- Breakfast with oatmeal. Pre-soak the flakes, add nuts to them, grate the apple and season with lemon juice and a spoon of honey.
- Salad with tomatoes and onions. Cut medium tomatoes into rings and sprinkle with chopped nuts. Lightly fry the chopped onion and place on top of the tomatoes. Decorate with greens.
- Dessert with prunes. Mix the crushed nut kernels with the prunes cut into strips. Pour in low-fat yogurt and let it brew.
How to use walnuts in your diet
Since nuts are quite heavy food, nutritionists recommend eating them in the first half of the day. The maximum is an afternoon snack. They can be eaten separately, as a snack, or added to different dishes. The main thing is not to eat them at night. At night, metabolic processes slow down. Do not forget to give your body active stress, including mental work.
Nuts are eaten in portions of 30 g per day. These allowed 30 grams will contain a sufficient amount of calories for productive life over a long period of time.
There are special nut diets, where the basis of the diet is precisely different types of nuts. Vegetables, fruits, and other dietary products are added to them. During this diet, you need to eat small portions many times a day, and also drink plenty of water. The diet is quite short-lived. Its duration ranges from 3 to 10 days. It is better to check information on this matter with nutritionists or look for articles specifically about this type of diet.
Some recipes for dietary dishes with walnuts
- Diet oatmeal. Pour boiling water over 100 grams of oatmeal and wait until it brews. Chop some dried fruits and chop 3 walnut kernels. Season the resulting mixture with the porridge and enjoy delicious oatmeal.
- Curd and nut dessert with berries and fruits. Take 100 grams of low-fat cottage cheese, two tablespoons of low-fat kefir. Beat the resulting mixture until fluffy. Add 2 chopped walnuts, some fruits and berries to taste.
If you follow the general rules of nutrition when dieting and eating nuts correctly, you can easily and without harm to your health lose weight, gain muscle mass and improve the condition of your body.
Other nuts compared to walnuts
Eat more than just walnuts when dieting. Other types of nuts are also extremely beneficial for health, and their consumption is allowed during the diet.
The highest glycemic index is observed in cashews - up to 27. Peanuts, hazelnuts, almonds and pine nuts are equal to walnuts in this indicator.
Pistachios and peanuts are usually eaten salted. Salt is far from the healthiest product. And in the foods we consume, there is enough of it for the normal functioning of the body, so there is absolutely no need to add salt to the food. During a diet, salt is especially harmful. It retains fluid in the body and prevents harmful substances from being completely eliminated from the body.
Peanuts are actually not a nut at all, but a legume. Peanuts, in addition to this, are also the most allergenic of all, if you compare them.
Pine nuts and pecans are much higher in calories than walnuts. Therefore, they should be consumed in smaller quantities.
The nutritional value of most nut crops is less pronounced than that of walnuts.
According to reviews from those who tried to include various nuts in their diet during a diet, walnuts helped to lose weight more effectively and efficiently, and get all the substances, microelements and vitamins necessary for the body. If you ask nutritionists a question about which nut is the healthiest, the answer will be walnut. Although there is a phrase “how many people, so many opinions.” Therefore, if you want to find out exactly what really works, it is better to try it yourself.
We conclude that nuts are extremely useful in a diet; they help replenish the balance of essential substances, maintain the overall tone of the body, burn calories faster and gain muscle mass.
Walnuts affect most organs and metabolism, but they are high in calories, so you shouldn’t get carried away with them while you’re losing weight.
Is it possible to eat walnuts while losing weight?
Royal nuts are high-calorie foods; one hundred grams contain about 700 kcal. Nevertheless, you can and should eat walnuts when losing weight. Nutrient kernels satiate and prevent overeating. The beneficial properties of the fruit help:
- stimulate metabolic processes;
- cleanse the body of harmful substances;
- stabilize hormonal levels;
- relieve mood swings and stress;
- improve the functioning of the cardiovascular system.
Dissatisfaction with appearance, lack of self-acceptance, desire to lose weight, fasting or breakdowns contribute to the emergence of nervous tension. This negatively affects health and weakens the immune system. The balanced composition of nuts helps to resist stress and restore the body.
What is beneficial in walnuts for people who are struggling with excess weight.
- Protein is indispensable in nutrition. Provides physical protection provided by collagen and keratin. Physical function is related to the ability of protein molecules to bind toxins. Proteins participate in the body’s immune defense and act as building materials. Walnuts contain 15% protein.
- Fiber is a food component that can only be digested in the intestines. Promotes emptying.
- Carbohydrates. Even a losing weight body needs energy. Nuts can provide the necessary energy boost because they contain 14 grams of carbohydrates per 100.
- Fats making up 65% of the fruit. Fatty acids help break down microelements and have a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin and joints.
- Vitamin E, groups B, C protect the body from free radicals, stabilize the nervous system, and increase immunity.