Health — March 31, 2015 at 12:00 pm

Walnuts: A Superfood

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WalnutsWalnuts are small yet pack a punch when it comes to health benefits. Most people tend to say that nuts are too fattening for them to eat. While, yes, nuts can be fattening, they are an important staple to any diet. Limiting the amount of nuts that are eaten is the most effective way to gain from the benefits. Fact: Eating a handful of nuts about five times a week could reduce your chances of having a heart attack by at least 15% and possibly as much as 51%.

Nut facts:

  • Eating nuts even just once a month was shown to decrease heart disease
  • They are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which help thin the blood to prevent any clots from forming and adhering to the vessel walls
  • Acting as an anti-inflammatory, walnuts help prevent the blood vessels from becoming inflamed
  • They are rich in arginine, an essential amino acid. Arginine helps to keep the inside of the blood vessels smooth while it also promotes the flexibility of the vessels, thus increasing blood flow, reducing blood pressure, and thereby alleviating hypertension

Have a handful of walnuts a day to keep your heart and body healthy!

Adapted from www.superfoodsrx.com

Contributor: Dr. Gregg Baron

The statements made in this article have not been evaluated by Health Canada or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.  None of the information presented is intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.

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