Walnuts: The ultimate SUPERFOOD?

Folks, it’s official…

The amount of “nut-based” food alternatives is becoming CRAZY – they’re almost hard to keep track of!

I couldn’t tell you how many different kinds of nut butters, drinks, and even nutrition bars there were at the grocery store.  

But one look at those nutrition labels and you’ll see that most of those “healthy” nut foods are loaded with added sugars – which is NUTTY to me!

But it got me thinking about one nut in particular that seems to get the shaft in the whole nut “hysteria” …

WALNUTS.

I eat ‘em by the handful everyday… and I’m going to show you why they’re one of the ultimate SUPERFOODS for your total health and well-being.

Walnuts are chock-full of omega-3 fatty acids – which are a no-brainer for protecting your heart.

But a new study takes the whole connection between walnuts and your heart to a whole other level.

It turns out that walnuts start protecting your heart… by how they interact with your GUT.

Texas Tech University researchers recently found that that people who consumed a diet with walnuts had HIGHER levels of the amino acid L-homoarginine in their guts.

This is important because research has found that people with LOWER levels of L-homoarginine are at a higher risk for cardiovascular disease.

In other words, eating walnuts ensures you’re fortifying your body with the proper amino acids critical for maintaining a healthy heart.

And, it shows that making a few healthy tweaks to your diet can make a profound impact on your health!

I’m biased because I eat walnuts daily… but I’m not shy about calling them an ultimate SUPERFOOD!

If walnuts aren’t currently part of your diet, it’s easier than ever to start including them.

Just stop by your local grocery store. Walnuts in the bulk (or nuts and seeds) section will do the trick.

They make a great stand-alone snack or a crunchy topping on salads.

Another option is walnut oil which can be found at health food stores, or through online health retailers. This oil can be used as a base for your favorite salad dressing, or as an ‘earthy’ tasting topping so one of your favorite side dishes.

Just remember, a typical serving is about the same size as the palm of your hand.

Another important note about walnuts, if you have a history of nut allergies (or even if a nut allergy runs in your family), be sure to talk to your doctor FIRST if you are looking to add walnuts to your diet.

In Your Corner,

Dr. Allan Spreen

Sources:

Watts, Erika. “Walnuts for heart health: Effect on the gut may be key.” https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/walnuts-for-heart-health-effect-on-the-gut-may-be-key