The New "Nut On The Block" // Why Walnuts?

Don’t get me wrong, I‘m well aware that there is a new ‘nut on the block’ on an almost daily basis, that promises to change your life but hear me out, Walnuts really could be a superfood we are missing out on.

I first learned of the benefits of walnuts when I started listening to The Wellness Scoop podcast, which is a really informative and great listen. They talked about how beneficial it is to add just a few walnuts to one of your meals daily to make a huge difference.

Let’s break it down, starting with actual science and facts:

• Rich in Omega – 3 Fatty acids along with protein, fibre, vitamins, and minerals

  
  

• Supports your heart health – lowers bad cholesterol, blood pressure and inflammation

  
  

• Boosts brain health, memory, focus, and mental clarity

  
  

• Supports gut health as it contains prebiotics – this is a key one as research now says that our gut health affects way more than we previously thought including mood, inflammation, anxiety and even increasing our risk of obesity, heart disease, and cancer if not looked after and kept healthy

• Good for skin and hair with high volumes of Vitamin E

  
  

• Improves mood and reduces stress due to the Omega-3

  
  

• Enhance male fertility through rich antioxidants

For one nut alone that is a pretty good (nut) CV. You don’t need to overcomplicate how you consume them. Simply blend in a smoothie, add to yogurt, or eat a handful to start the day. I have been known to blend them into a pasta sauce to hide them from my kids. Whatever it looks for you, just a handful (5-6 walnuts) a day can make a huge difference.

Some simple ideas on adding them daily include:

• Crush and sprinkle on salads

• Walnut butter or oil

• On top of yogurt for breakfast

• Roasted or chopped with vegetables

• Crushed and added to cookies, banana bread, or any type of home baking

• Used as a coating for fish or chicken

• In your hand and straight in your mouth (a firm favourite to keep life simple!)