According to the latest research published today (March 29th, 2023), incorporating walnuts into your diet can have numerous health benefits. In particular, this study found that eating just one ounce of walnuts per day can lead to improvements in heart health and cognitive function.
The study, which was conducted at the University of California, tested the effects of walnut consumption on 708 healthy adults between the ages of 63 and 79. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups: one group was instructed to consume an ounce of walnuts each day, while the other group did not consume any walnuts.
After six months, the group that consumed walnuts showed significant improvements in their cardiovascular health. Specifically, they had lower levels of LDL cholesterol (the “bad” kind) and improved endothelial function, which is a measure of how well blood vessels are functioning. Additionally, the walnut-eating group also showed improvements in cognitive function, as measured by memory tests.
So, how much is one ounce of walnuts? It’s about a handful, or 14 halves. And how should you consume them? The researchers suggest incorporating walnuts into your diet in a variety of ways, such as adding them to oatmeal or yogurt, sprinkling them on a salad, or just eating them as a snack on their own.
Read about another superfood: Peanuts
It’s worth noting that while this study focused specifically on the health benefits of walnuts, other types of nuts (such as almonds, pistachios, and cashews) have also been shown to have health benefits when consumed in moderation.
In summary, the latest research on walnuts suggests that adding just one ounce of walnuts to your diet per day can lead to improvements in heart health and cognitive function. So why not give it a try? Sprinkle some on your salad, add them to your morning yogurt, or just enjoy a handful as a snack. Your body (and brain) will thank you!
Picture credit: https://pixabay.com/photos/walnut-nut-walnuts-nuts-2816935/
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