Go Nuts! 15 Fascinating Things You Didn’t Know About Walnuts

Go Nuts! 15 Fascinating Things You Didn’t Know About Walnuts

 Get nuts! 15 Intriguing Facts About Walnuts You May Not Have Knew Walnuts frequently receive the most attention when it comes to nutritious snacks, and for good reason. These wrinkly little nuggets are more than simply a crunchy salad garnish or brownie topping. They have an impressive nutritional profile, a long history dating back thousands of years, and a remarkable amount of scientific and cultural ties. We reveal 15 amazing facts about walnuts here that will completely change your perspective on them.

1. The oldest tree food known to man is walnuts. In human history, walnuts were already establishing themselves before cashews or almonds became popular. According to archeological findings, walnuts have been consumed by people for at least 8,000 years. Walnut trees were grown in royal gardens in ancient Persia, and only monarchs were permitted to consume them. Because of this, walnuts were occasionally referred to as "Persian nuts" in early trade documents. During the Middle Ages, walnuts finally made their way to Greece and Rome via trade channels, and then throughout Europe. English walnuts got their well-known name because English merchants were shipping them all over the world by the 1700s.

Go Nuts! 15 Fascinating Things You Didn’t Know About Walnuts

2. There Are Scientific Origins to the Nickname "Brain Food" Walnuts' resemblance to miniature human brains is no accident. Seeing the resemblance, the ancient Greeks thought they might sharpen the mind. Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a plant-based omega-3 fatty acid that is vital for brain function, is abundant in walnuts, thus current study indicates they weren't totally incorrect. Regular walnut eating has been shown in studies to increase focus, boost memory, and possibly slow down cognitive loss as we age. This is due to the fact that omega-3 fatty acids enhance neuronal protection and intercellular communication.

3. A Powerful Nutrient in Each Bite A superfood rich in nutrients is walnuts. About 14 half, or one ounce, contain: A total of 190 calories 4g of protein Two-gram fiber 18g of mostly polyunsaturated, healthful fats Phosphorus, copper, manganese, and magnesium Antioxidants such as polyphenols and ellagic acid are abundant. Polyphenolic chemicals, which combat oxidative stress, a primary cause of aging and chronic illness, are particularly abundant in them.

Go Nuts! 15 Fascinating Things You Didn’t Know About Walnuts

4. Various Types Despite the commercial dominance of English walnuts (Juglans regia), the black walnut (Juglans nigra), which is indigenous to North America, is also available. A very hard shell and a significantly richer, earthier flavor are characteristics of black walnuts. Gourmet cuisine and specialty baking frequently use them. The Butternut walnut (Juglans cinerea) and hybrids like the Carpathian walnut, which can withstand colder climes, are other lesser-known types.

5. They Can Help You Sleep Better Organically The hormone melatonin, which controls our sleep-wake cycle, is found naturally in walnuts. Eating them at night could enhance the quality of your sleep. Additionally, they include tryptophan, an amino acid that improves melatonin and serotonin production in the body, which promotes sleepiness. 

6. Heart Health Advocates A lot of research has been done on the cardiovascular benefits of walnuts. Consistent use has been connected to: Decrease LDL cholesterol A decrease in inflammation Increased blood vessel performance A study that was published in the American Heart Association Journal in 2021 discovered that over a two-year period, consuming around a handful of walnuts every day dramatically decreased total cholesterol.

Go Nuts! 15 Fascinating Things You Didn’t Know About Walnuts

7. Sacred in Ancient Times Romans frequently called walnuts "Jupiter's royal acorns" because they were thought to be connected to Jupiter, the ruler of the gods. In some traditional wedding ceremonies, the couple was blessed with fertility and wealth by throwing walnuts rather than rice. Walnuts were employed in Chinese traditional medicine to enhance digestion and kidney function, and they were thought to cure illnesses in Persia. 

8. Walnut trees are long-lived and generous. Mature walnut trees have a lifespan of over 200 years and can provide nuts for 50–100 years. Even today, some old trees continue to produce nuts. These trees are valuable for their thick, dark grain, which is used to make furniture, in addition to their use as food. ---

9. Preventing Aging from Within Rich in vitamin E, polyphenols, and other antioxidants, walnuts help combat free radicals, preventing age-related illnesses and slowing down the aging process of the skin. Regular walnut eaters had a 14% decreased risk of dying young, according to Harvard research that links walnut consumption to longer lifespans. The 

 10. An Eco-Friendly Option Compared to animal protein, walnuts require fewer resources to manufacture, and walnut trees absorb carbon dioxide from the environment. To reduce waste, the shells and husks are frequently recycled into mulch, abrasives, or natural dyes.

11. Probiotic The good bacteria in your gut are fed by walnuts because they are a prebiotic. In addition to enhancing immunity and enhancing digestion, a healthy gut flora can also affect happiness. Those who consumed walnuts for eight weeks had higher amounts of good gut flora than those who did not, according to a study published in the Nutrients Journal. 

12. They Can Help Control Weight Although walnuts are heavy in calories, they may aid with weight loss. Because of their high satiety, protein, fiber, and healthy fats, you are less inclined to reach for bad snacks. Furthermore, according to certain research, walnuts are not as calorie-dense as they seem since the body does not fully absorb all of their calories.

13. The Coloring Agent found in nature For generations, the rich brown dye made from walnut husks and shells has been used to tint leather, fabrics, and even ink. Artists employed walnut ink for manuscripts during the Middle Ages. Walnut extract is still used as a natural coloring agent in some hair colors. 

14. They have visited space During NASA flights, astronaut food kits contained walnuts. They are the perfect space food because of their high nutrient density, mobility, and extended shelf life. 

15. A Sign of Fortuity In many regions of Italy, it is customary to crack walnuts during the Christmas season in order to guarantee a prosperous new year. Walnuts are occasionally included in gift baskets at Middle Eastern weddings to bestow fertility and plenty upon the newlyweds.