Do English, black walnuts have the same heart benefits?
Q: I grew up in the Missouri Ozarks where wild black walnut trees abounded, and I enjoyed them each year in late fall. We had to remove the dried husks (being dry told us they were ready!) and then cracked them with a claw hammer. Cracking them in this manner took special skills, as hitting them too hard would destroy the nut meats inside. We became skilled at carefully opening them just enough to remove perfect walnut halves, a premium treat for snacking and highly coveted by our moms for baking delectable holiday treats, such as Mrs. Johnson’s walnut/date pinwheel cookies.
I now eat about 3 tablespoons of black walnuts with each bowl of breakfast cereal, along with a couple of teaspoons of dried currants, 2 teaspoons of dried cranberries and maybe a teaspoon of blackstrap molasses. My question is whether there is any difference between the two types of walnuts in terms of their heart benefits. They have very different flavors. I prefer the stronger flavor of the Missouri Ozark black walnuts myself.
A: We appreciate your reminiscence and wish we had a recipe for Mrs. Johnson’s cookies. Your breakfast cereal adornments sound delicious and very healthful.
There are some differences between English walnuts (Juglans regia) and black walnuts (Juglans nigra). About 10 years ago, Wisconsin scientists found that an ounce of English walnuts maintained the flexibility of blood vessels
Research has found that the nutrients in black walnuts may have anti-cancer properties.
after a high-fat meal (Journal of Medicinal Food, September 2011). The same amount of black walnuts did not. However, the phytonutrients in black walnuts may have anti-cancer activity (Molecules, October 2020).
Q: I read an article that stated even after getting the vaccine you will need to wear a face mask so as not to spread COVID-19. I don’t understand this. Can you explain?
A: Both of the current vaccines have demonstrated that they can prevent serious illness from the coronavirus. In the clinical trials most people who received a vaccine did not get sick.
The vaccine might not keep the virus from entering your body, but it should keep you from developing symptoms. You can’t catch the virus from the vaccine.
Some people who are immunized might become infected without symptoms. We know that asymptomatic spread is quite common, and the trials were not designed to rule it out. That’s why even after getting a vaccine to protect yourself, you should still wear a mask to prevent the spread of the virus to others.
Q: Thank you for describing how low iodine intake affects thyroid function. I have
Meniere’s disease and never use salt of any kind. How else can I get iodine in my diet?
A: In the United States, salt is iodized to prevent iodine deficiency that can lead to goiter, a thyroid condition.
However, people like you, with the balance disorder called Meniere’s disease, are encouraged to restrict salt intake.
As a result, you should make sure you are eating dairy products, eggs, fish or seafood. All are good sources of iodine.
Q: I have osteopenia, and my doctor wants me to load up on calcium to keep my bones from getting weaker. He suggested milk, cheese, ice cream or Tums. I prefer not to do too much dairy. Can I take too many Tums?
A: Tums are a good source of calcium in the form of calcium carbonate. However, it is possible to overdo. Excess calcium together with an antacid like Tums can lead to “milk-alkali syndrome.” Symptoms include loss of appetite and stomachache as well as the formation of kidney stones.