Why Walnuts May be the Top Nut for a Healthy Heart

Blame it on our familys medical history or the fast-paced lifestyle thats leading to complaints of high cholesterol, but you and I, too, are at the risk of developing heart disease. Fortunately, several factors help us lower our risk of CVD and take the high road to a healthy heart. This World Heart Day, let's deep dive into how:

How California Walnuts may help your heart health

According to research, an important move is to consume a handful of California walnuts as part of a healthy, nutritious diet and couple it with physical activity. This may help lower your risk of heart disease and hence, deserves a spot on your plate. The polyunsaturated fats, aka good fats, and ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) in these wonder nuts may improve cholesterol levels and lower blood pressure, which are two major contributors to heart disease risk.1,2 In addition, these nutrient powerhouses are known to help reduce inflammation and improve blood vessel function.3 A recent scientific review published in Advances of Nutrition also suggests that food sources high in plant-based omega-3 ALA, such as walnuts, should be part of a heart healthy eating pattern.4

Not convinced yet The American Heart Association (AHA) has found that including four or more servings of nuts, including walnuts every week and other foods, may help lower ones risk of heart disease. And thats not it, AHA has also certified walnuts as a heart-healthy food through its Heart Check Mark program.

What is the ideal portion of California Walnuts to consume

A handful of walnuts, which is approx. 28 G, is advisable for daily consumption. This amount contains 2.5g of essential plant-based omega-3, 4g protein, and 2g fiber, all essential for overall wellness.

What is the best time of the day to eat walnuts

While walnuts can be eaten throughout the year, at any time of the day, I believe the best time to eat them is in the evenings. These contain PICO melatonin, which goes into your brain and increases serotonin levels, eventually promoting sleep.

5 simple ways to include walnuts in your daily diet

• Make snack time healthy with a handful of plain California Walnuts, or you can amp up the flavor by sprinkling your favorite spice mix over them.

• Mix coarsely grounded walnuts with a portion of hung curd and turn it into a delicious creamy dip.

• You can also grind walnuts and add them to your curries, which is a good source of plant-based omega-3.

• Poha, upma or kachumbar, walnuts add a perfect crunch for any time snacks.

• Walnuts are the perfect accompaniment for a low-calorie diet, and another great idea to consume is by blending them into your morning smoothie.

We all deserve to choose what's best for us. And for making such decisions, you need the right information. Now that you've read about the health benefits of walnuts, it's time to go nuts about these nuts!

References
1FDA approved claim: Supportive but not conclusive research shows that eating 1.5 ounces of walnuts per day, as part of a low saturated fat and low cholesterol diet, and not resulting in increased caloric intake, may reduce the risk of coronary heart diseas. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, March 2004. One ounce of walnuts provides 18g of total fat, 2.5g of monounsaturated fat, 13g of polyunsaturated fat, including 2.5g of alpha-linolenic acid, the plant-based omega-3.

2Kris-Etherton P. Walnuts decrease risk of cardiovascular disease: a summary of efficacy and biologic mechanisms. J Nutr. 2014; 10: 39:2S-8S.

3 Supportive but not conclusive research shows that eating 1.5 ounces of walnuts per day, as part of a low saturated fat and low cholesterol diet and not resulting in increased caloric intake, may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. (FDA) One ounce of walnuts offers 18g of total fat, 2.5g of monounsaturated fat, 13g of polyunsaturated fat including 2.5g of alpha-linolenic acid - the plant-based omega-3.

4Sala-Vila A, Fleming J, Kris-Etherton P, Ros E. Impact of alpha-linolenic acid, the vegetable omega-3 fatty acid, on cardiovascular disease and cognition. Advances in Nutrition. doi.org/10.1093/advances/nmac016.