5 Compelling Reasons to Eat Walnuts

Unlike some less commercially-available nuts, walnuts are readily available at nearly any grocery store you visit – so why aren’t you eating them? Chock-full of Vitamin E and B6, protein, folate and thiamin, it’s a wonder why everyone isn’t consuming this delicious nut on a daily basis. Wholesome, healthy, and nutrient-dense, walnuts are a great food to augment a plant-based diet, and here are five reasons why:

1. Great for your Heart

They may be funky-looking, but walnuts are excellent for heart health. The high concentration of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, make walnuts a slam-dunk when it comes to keeping your cardiovascular system in good working order. With regular consumption, walnuts can decrease LDL cholesterol, reduce the risks of clotting and inflammation, and improve cell function.

2. Helps Control Diabetes Risks

Walnuts are a powerful tool when it comes to managing the health risks associated with type 2 diabetes. Although a diabetic’s primary concern is managing blood sugar levels, secondary health issues like heart disease have to be considered. As above, walnuts can help in keeping heart problems at bay so diabetics can focus on full-body health.

3. Take That, Cancer!

Any food that is high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties is going to have positive benefits for those looking to reduce the risk of certain cancers. When it comes to walnuts, prostate cancer and breast cancer have both shown that their risk can be reduced when the nut is consumed regularly and in larger than usual amounts (about 3 ounces per day).

4. Weight Management

Wait, what? Most people have been told so many times that nuts are high in fat that there’s no way they’d touch them while trying to manage weight. The fact is, there are good fats and bad fats. Good fats, like those found in walnuts, can actually help your body shed bad fat, while the high fiber content keeps you feeling full for longer.

5. Brain Food

Your brain is just as important as the rest of you (or more), so feed it well! Walnuts and their high Omega-3 fatty acid content make for a great food for those looking to keep motor and behavioral function at their best. Walnuts are great chopped, whole, raw, roasted or even ground into flour for baking. Toss walnuts into just about any meal: salads, stirfries, muffins, cookies, pancakes, breads – the opportunities are endless!

Introducing Walnut Fudge Brownie

One of our new 20g protein Gold Bars, Walnut Fudge Brownie is a healthy take on the traditional walnut fudge brownie. This plant-based protein bar is high in fiber (13g) as well as having that classic taste you love. Find it in your local Vitamin Shoppe store.