We all love snacks - they are fast to prepare and rather tasty. Also, they can be healthy and rich in valuable nutrients. Exactly! By choosing wisely and consciously, you can provide your body with beneficial vitamins and microelements. There are plenty of snacks, so which one to choose? I guess that you already know the answer!
His Majesty the Walnut king
In ancient Rome, walnuts were called royal walnuts. They were believed to bring good luck in addition to health. A royal nut must therefore have royal qualities! Let us look at why walnuts are so special
Benefits of walnuts
They are a source of beneficial ingredients
Vitamins, micro and macroelements, antioxidants and flavonoids. You will find in them, among others, niacin, vitamin B1, vitamin B6, vitamin E, folic acid, copper, magnesium, potassium, zinc.
They have a positive effect on brain function and strengthen the nervous system
This is due to the omega-3 acids, B vitamins and, for example, magnesium, which is responsible for the proper functioning of memory.
They support the work of the cardiovascular system
They are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), which belong to essential unsaturated fatty acids (EFA). EFA are components of tissues, that is why they are so important in the human body. They show the ability to reduce the level of bad cholesterol (LDL) and reduce the risk of atherosclerosis.
Stress? Lots of learning? Crunch the nuts!
Nuts have long been students' favourite snack. The famous student mix is a tasty composition of nuts, rich in valuable ingredients and providing a busy person with energy and strength to act. There is also a reason to find walnuts in it. They not only alleviate the effects of stress in the body but also have a beneficial effect on brain function.
After all, Mother Nature knows what she is doing and shows us what we should eat to achieve the desired effect. A walnut looks like a brain! This crunchy delicacy is an excellent source of nutrients for the entire nervous system.
For those who like to adore stress, walnuts are the perfect snack. Not only do they crunch loudly and pleasantly, but they can also reduce the negative effects of stress. How? Let us see what the scientists say about this.
Walnut under the magnifying glass of scientists
Scientists from Austria conducted an interesting study with 80 guinea pigs. They were divided into 4 groups - control and 3 groups fed with different types of nut (including walnuts). The animals were caged individually for 20 days and then placed in one common room for 3 days. We all know that social interactions can be stressful, let alone when suddenly 79 unknown individuals appear, with whom you have to deal with for a long time.
Fur subjects measured the concentration of cortisol in the body and although an increase was observed in each of the four groups, it was much smaller in the walnut-consuming group. Pigs that previously crunched royal walnuts were in better shape. They showed more physical activity and were not slowed down by stress. What is this from? The polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) contained in walnuts can reduce the body's response to stress factors.
Walnuts and digestive system
Can walnuts help with digestive disorders? It turns out so! After all, it is not without reason that recipes for walnut tincture are passed on from generation to generation. Our great-grandfathers used it as homemade medicaments. It was provided in case of diarrhoea, indigestion or intestinal pain. The walnut tincture is made from green walnuts because it is the substances contained in unripe walnuts that show antibacterial, antifungal and cleansing effects.
It is worth knowing that not only green walnut fruit has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the digestive system. When you crunch ripe walnuts, you provide your body with a large amount of dietary fibre. Fibre supports intestinal peristalsis and regulates the frequency of bowel movements.
