HEALTH NEWS

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Walnuts are famous for their high nutritional content – rich in the omega-3 fatty acid, alpha-linolenic acid and fibre, offering numerous health benefits. Amera Marian Varghese, clinical dietitian, Mediclinic Welcare Hospital, says walnuts contain high amounts of omega-3 essential fatty acids, which help lower blood pressure. They contain one of the highest concentrations of antioxidants, hence good for heart health, she adds. Regularly eating a reasonable amount of walnuts lowers the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and improves cognitive functioning and memory. Varghese says, ‘Research has shown that eating walnuts can help manage metabolic syndrome, diabetes and inflammation. The nuts also have anticancer properties and supports in weight management.’ Citing a study, she says, researchers found consuming walnuts increased people’s HDL cholesterol and a dropped of 10 per cent of their LDL cholesterol levels. According to experts, you need to eat a handful of nuts a day to reap the health benefits. Varghese recommends adding them to salads, oatmeal yoghurt with fruit, and any vegetable side dish. But these nuts are high in calories and people who are allergic to nuts should avoid them.