In historical terms, walnut science is very new. Yet health lore is ancient. It’s interesting to glance back and remember. During Medieval times, walnuts were considered a medicine. A potion containing walnut leaves was used to treat muscular aches and pains and walnuts were believed to soothe the digestive system.<br />Walnut, with its visual likeness to the human brain, was used to treat head ailments, boost intellect and calm emotions. Walnuts have greater antioxidant activity than any other common nut.<br />Even today, in Asian cultures, the walnut is considered a brain food; university students there munch on walnuts by the handful before exams, hoping to boost their scores. <br />Studies have been conducted and results have been confirmed by the Life Sciences Research Organization<br />People following a moderate fat weight loss diet, including peanuts and tree nuts, such as walnuts, were able to improve weight loss and keep weight off for a longer period than people following the traditionally recommended low-fat diet. They are also unique because they have a perfect balance of omega-6 and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, a ratio of 4:1, which has been shown to decrease the risk of sudden death in the Lyon Heart Study.<br />Eating 42.5 grams per day of walnuts as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease. <br />In fact, 2.5 grams of alpha-linolenic acid in just 28 grams of walnuts more than satisfies the National Academies’ daily dietary recommendation. Walnuts are ideally suited for inclusion in any diet, as part of any meal or as a snack. <br />Depending on which way a walnut is cracked open, it has a striking resemblance either to the brain or the heart. Crack open a walnut and see the heart for yourself! You won’t get a “perfect “heart every time, but you’ll get the message- walnuts are heart-healthy.<br /><br /><br />Prepared by- Prof. Dr. Muna Abdulwahab Khaleel<br />Al-Mustaqbal University- College of Nursing<br />#First_in_Private_Universities<br />