Nuts and seeds are not only good for health, but also make delicious snacks. They help you maintain a healthy diet, especially in the autumn and winter season. If you’re looking for something that’s a little different from the rest, walnuts are it. They are extremely nutrient-dense, as they contain high amounts of plant proteins, phytochemicals and antioxidants, as well as other nutritious fibers. But did you know that walnuts have a rich history of their own?
History of Walnuts
Walnuts are one of the oldest plant-based foods known to man, dating back to 7,000 BC. The origin of the walnut is in Persia. They came to Central Asia and China, and the Silk Road played a major role in their exports. Walnuts were first traded in Greece by the armies of Alexander the Great and later spread throughout Europe by the Romans.
Walnut is also associated with mythology. In Greek mythology, the walnut was a symbol of wisdom and was dedicated to Zeus, the god of the sky. In Roman mythology, the nut was dedicated to Jupiter, the god of the sky and thunder. According to legend, when the gods walked the earth, they lived by eating walnuts. From this we got the scientific name of walnut, Juglans regia.
Walnuts also have the following health benefits:
healthy heart
The Journal of Nutrition reports that walnut consumption may reduce the risk of heart disease, and its oil provides more favorable benefits for endothelial function.
weight loss
There have been studies that suggest that the energy absorbed from them is 21 percent less than would be expected based on their nutritional content.
good for the brain
Walnuts look like brains, but they are also good for the brain. Omega-3 fatty acids play an important role in reducing oxidative stress in the brain; but also helps in improving brain signaling and neurogenesis.
May Help Lower Blood Pressure
Some studies have suggested that eating walnuts may help lower blood pressure, including in people with high blood pressure.
healthy gut
An unhealthy composition of your microbiota can contribute to inflammation and disease in your gut or elsewhere in the body, increasing your risk of obesity, heart disease and even cancer. Consuming walnuts may be one way to support your microbiota and gut health.
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