Walnuts: Food for Gods Available to Anyone

Health benefits of walnuts have been known since time immemorial. Hippocrates and Avicenna mentioned them in the treatment of various diseases. In addition, the ancients thought that they stimulate mental activity. Anna Protsenko, a nutritionist, told MedPulse.ru.

“Walnuts contain a great deal of minerals,” the expert explains. “They include iron, copper, cobalt, potassium, sodium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, and iodine. Many of them are antioxidants. In addition, walnuts contain unsaturated fatty acids, more than 20 amino acids, and vitamins A, E, B, P and C. By the way, they contain nearly 50 times more vitamin C than citrus, and 8 times more than black currants. In addition, walnuts are rich in protein.

What illnesses can be treated with walnuts?

1. Cardiovascular

Since 60 percent of walnut contents is unsaturated fat as well as potassium and magnesium, it is recommended for patients with various heart diseases and high blood pressure. Studies have shown that walnuts can reduce the level of "harmful" cholesterol in the blood. And thanks to large amounts of vitamin E walnuts strengthens the walls of blood vessels.

2. Thyroid gland disease

Since walnuts contain iodine, they are effective in fighting diseases associated with the thyroid gland. A special brew of walnut septum can also be used in the treatment of thyroid diseases.

3. Mental activity

It has been long proven that walnuts contain a range of biologically active substances that have a positive effect on the vessels of the brain (above all, it is the Omega-3). Therefore, they are recommended for people engaged in intense mental or physical labor.

4. Prostate cancer

Recently, scientists from the Cancer Center at the University of California Davis (USA) found that consumption of walnuts slows down the growth and reduces the size of cancerous tumors of the prostate gland. This was revealed during laboratory experiments on mice. Perhaps the remedy could be effective for people as well.

“In addition, walnuts have anti-inflammatory properties, promote healing of wounds,” - says Anna Protsenko. “Thanks to the contents of iron and cobalt, they can be used in the treatment of anemia. They promotes regular bowel movements. For these purposes, large quantities of nuts should be consumed on a regular basis for a month or longer, and such dose is not good for everyone, therefore you should consult with your doctor first.

“Do not forget that walnuts are very high in calories,” warns the consultant. “100 grams of walnuts contains approximately 650 calories. This is more than a chocolate bar! This should be remembered by those with weight issues. Experts recommend eating no more than 3 to 4 kernels a day. "Overdose" may cause problems with gastro-intestinal tract such as constipation, upset stomach, etc. Everything depends on the individual characteristics of your body.

According to Anna Protsenko, walnuts are not recommended for those with certain diseases of the intestinal system, such as enteritis and colitis.

Here are a few popular walnuts recipes recommended by experts:

- To strengthen the immune system:
Mix a pound of walnut kernels, dried apricots, raisins and honey, then squeeze the juice out of two lemons, stir and put the mixture in a jar and cover with lid. Take 1 tablespoon a day. After some time, the course may be repeated.

- To improve metabolism:
Mix equal proportions of grated walnuts, honey and chopped figs. Take 1 tablespoon per day on empty stomach.

- If you have diabetes and want to lower blood sugar:
Get septum from 40 nuts, cover them with a glass of boiling water, keep in a steam bath for an hour then let cool and filter. Take 1 teaspoon three times a day.

- Athlete's Foot:
Take 2 tablespoons of ch o pped walnut septum, pour 0.5 liters of boiling water and let sit for 30 minutes. Use for foot baths twice a week.

Irina Shlionslaya
Medpulse