Walnuts are rich sources of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, mainly B6, as well as vitamin A, C, E, K and minerals such as zinc, tryptophan, and dietary fiber. The extraordinary thing about this type of fruit is that the fats it contains are polyunsaturated, that is, it contains omega-3 and omega-6, essential fatty acids for humans. This combination of nutrients is precisely what makes walnuts an essential fruit to eat every day.
Let's learn by reading this article the main 5 reasons why walnuts are in your daily diet.
1. Contributes to having a younger brain
One of the properties of walnuts is that they act as an antioxidant, fighting free radicals that age brain cells. When you do not consume antioxidants, cognitive and motor impairment occurs. The polyphenols present in walnuts along with omega-3 help prevent this deterioration in neurological health, preventing dementia and reducing the risk of depression.
There are also important studies that suggest that walnut consumption has positive effects on oxidative stress and cell death, very common diagnoses in Alzheimer's patients. This is thanks to the presence of omega-3 and its alpha-linolenic acid content.
2. More life for your heart
The presence of omega-3 is very favorable for reducing triglycerides and bad cholesterol, thus reducing cardiovascular accidents. On the other hand, walnuts contain magnesium, a mineral that helps control the rhythmic activity of the heart and blood circulation, thus reducing the risk of suffering from thrombosis. According to some studies, still inconclusive, daily consumption of 42.5 grams of walnuts could reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.
3. Gives you energy daily
The high carbohydrate content in walnuts provides you with greater energy. Furthermore, the transformation of carbohydrates into energy is favored by the presence of proteins and vitamin B. So it is an ideal fruit to enhance brain activity in children and adults, as well as physical activity in athletes and people with high mobility requirements.
4. You improve your mood
Both walnuts and almonds have an important function in the activation of serotonin, a fundamental neurotransmitter in the regulation of mood, sleep, social behavior and anxiety. Serotonin is known as the ''mood hormone''. Therefore, its consumption is highly recommended in less sunny seasons such as autumn and winter, times when the risk of depression increases due to the low presence of serotonin in the body.
5. You increase your sexual activity
Likewise, walnuts help you increase your sexual activity due to the activation of serotonin due to the presence of tryptophan, an essential amino acid present in walnuts. Those who achieve great benefits from sexual activity thanks to the activation of serotonin prefer to call it the "pleasure hormone."
In this way, consuming walnuts within a balanced diet helps you stay younger, controlling stress and increasing happiness in your life.