The Wonders of Walnuts Health Article

Divine Origins

According to Greek mythology, Dionysus, the god of wine, fell in love with a princess, Carya; upon her death, he transformed her into the first walnut tree. In ancient Rome, walnuts were considered food for the gods and called Juglans regia (loosely, "Jupiter’s royal acorns"), in honor of Jupiter.

Brain Food

In medieval times, health benefits were ascribed to foods that looked like body parts. The walnut, resembling the human brain, was used to treat head ailments, boost intellect and calm emotions. Today, emerging science suggests that omega-3 fatty acids—such as alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) in walnuts—play a role in fighting depression and improving cognition. Walnuts have ten times more ALA than any other nut.

9,000 Age (in years) of the oldest walnut shells uncovered by archeologists—which makes walnuts one of the oldest known tree foods.

Heart Helper

Research shows that walnuts may help reduce risk for cardiovascular disease by lowering total and LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels and reducing inflammation. A 2006 animal study in the Journal of Nutrition also suggests that nutrients (such as omega-3s and/or vitamin E) in walnuts may lower levels of endothelin, a natural substance that causes inflammation of the arteries and the growth of plaque on blood vessels.

Soothing Snack

A 2005 study reported in the journal Nutrition showed that walnuts are one of the best food sources of melatonin—a compound that most people think of as a remedy for jet lag, and a powerful antioxidant that scientists suspect (but haven’t yet shown) could help to prevent or reduce the severity of chronic conditions, including Alzheimer’s, cancer and cardiovascular disease.

Nut misnomer "English" walnuts are really from Persia (Iran). Apparent cause for the confusion? The merchant sailors who transported the nuts around the world centuries ago were English.

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