Walnuts are an incredible superfood packed with nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids that have numerous health benefits. These benefits include lowering cholesterol levels, protecting against heart disease, stroke and cancer, easing arthritis and other inflammatory diseases, fighting depression and mental illness. Despite all these benefits, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t allow walnut producers to mention these on their packaging.
But fear not! I’m here to uncover the many gifts that walnuts have to offer, especially their potential to boost brain health in people of all ages.
A Nut for Cognitive Health
Researchers from the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California Los Angeles discovered that consuming less than a handful of walnuts daily helped individuals perform better on a series of six cognitive tests that examined brain function. Their research was published in the Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging.
According to lead author Dr. Lenore Arab, “eating a handful of walnuts daily as a snack or as part of a meal can help improve your cognitive health.” In today’s fast-paced world, where around 36 million people are suffering from dementia, such straightforward advice about a simple, natural food is worth emphasizing.
Why the FDA doesn’t let you know
So, if walnuts are so beneficial, why won’t the FDA allow this information to be displayed on packaging? The reason may be the protection of Big Pharma, as pharmaceutical companies cannot patent walnuts like they can with patented drugs made explicitly for treating dementia and Alzheimer’s, such as Aricept, Donepezil, Exelon, Rzadyne, Galantamine, and Rivastigmine.
Unique Nutrients Found in Walnuts
Many natural foods have omega-3 fatty acids, but walnuts are unique as they contain alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a plant-based omega-3 not found in large quantities in other nuts. ALA has been proven to offer both heart and brain benefits. If Big Pharma could profit from walnuts, it’s likely they’d be available in every medicine cabinet across the country.
By not mentioning these health benefits, many people might pass on walnuts without knowing their true potential. But now that you’re aware, it’s time to incorporate walnuts into your daily routine!
How to Enjoy Walnuts
If you’re in the mood for a snack or want to add a nutritious twist to your meals, consider these ideas:
As a satisfying snack: A handful of walnuts makes for a tasty, satisfying, and healthy snack on the go. Keep some at your desk, in your car, or even in your workout bag for when you need a quick pick-me-up.
In salads: Adding walnuts to your salads not only adds a delicious crunch, but it’s also an excellent way to sneak in some brain-boosting benefits while enjoying your greens.
In baked goods: Including walnuts in your favorite baked goods like bread, cookies, or muffins, adds both flavor and texture, making your treats even more delightful and nutritious.
As a topping: Try using crushed walnuts as a topping for yogurt, oatmeal, or even casseroles for an extra dimension of flavor and satisfying crunch.
In smoothies: Blend walnuts into your smoothies for added thickness and nutrition. You’ll hardly notice them, but your body (and brain) will thank you for it!
In cooking: Walnuts can be added to various dishes, such as sautéed vegetables, pasta, rice, or grain dishes, for added depth and crunch. With their mild taste, they blend effortlessly into many recipes.
Final Thoughts
Walnuts are a powerful superfood that deserve a place in our daily meals. Though the FDA may not endorse their health benefits directly, walnuts should not be overlooked as a natural and delicious way to take care of your heart and boost your cognitive health.
So, whether you decide to snack on them solo or incorporate them into your favorite dishes, make sure that walnuts are within easy reach. They may be small, but their impact on your brain health is undeniable!
