Do English, black walnuts have the same heart benefits?
Q: Igrewupinthe Missouri Ozarkswhere wild blackwalnut trees abounded, and I enjoyedthemeach year inlate fall. We had to remove the driedhusks ( being dry told us they were ready!) andthen crackedthemwith a clawhammer. Crackingthemin thismanner took special skills, as hittingthemtoohard would destroy the nut meats inside. Webecame skilled at carefully openingthemjust enough to remove perfectwalnut halves, a premiumtreat for snacking and highly coveted by ourmoms for bakingdelectableholiday treats, such asMrs. Johnson’swalnut/ date pinwheel cookies.
Inoweat about 3 tablespoons of blackwalnuts with eachbowl ofbreakfast cereal, along with a couple of teaspoons of dried currants, 2 teaspoons ofdried cranberries andmaybe a teaspoon of blackstrap molasses. Myquestion is whether there is any difference between the two types ofwalnuts interms of their heart benefits. Theyhave very different flavors. Iprefer the strongerflavor of the Missouri Ozark black walnutsmyself.
A: We appreciate your reminiscence andwishwe had a recipe forMrs. Johnson’s cookies. Your breakfast cereal adornments sound delicious and very healthful.
There are some differences between English walnuts ( Juglans regia) and blackwalnuts ( Juglans nigra). About 10 years ago, Wisconsin scientists found that an ounce of English walnuts maintained the flexibility of blood vessels after a high- fatmeal ( Journal ofMedicinal Food, September 2011). The same amount of black walnuts did not. However, the phytonutrients in blackwalnuts may have anti- cancer activity ( Molecules, October 2020).
Q: I read an article that stated evenafter getting the vaccine youwill need towear a facemask so as not to spreadCOVID- 19. Idon’tunderstand this. Canyouexplain?
A: Both of the current vaccines have demonstrated that they can prevent serious illness fromthe coronavirus. In the clinical trials most peoplewhoreceived a vaccine did not get sick.
The vaccinemight not keep the virus fromentering your body, but it should keep you fromdeveloping symptoms. You can’t catch the virus fromthe vaccine.
Some peoplewhoare immunized might become infected without symptoms. We knowthat asymptomatic spread is quite common, and the trialswere not designed torule it out. That’swhy even after getting a vaccine to protect yourself, you should stillwear amask to prevent the spread of the virus to others.
Q: Thankyoufor describinghowlow iodine intake affects thyroid function. Ihave
Meniere’sdisease and neveruse salt of any kind. Howelse can I get iodine inmy diet?
A: In theUnited States, salt is iodized to prevent iodine deficiency that can lead to goiter, a thyroid condition.
However, people like you, with the balance disorder calledMeniere’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: Ihave osteopenia, andmy doctorwantsme to loaduponcalcium to keepmy bones from gettingweaker. He suggested milk, cheese, ice creamorTums. I prefernot todo too muchdairy. Can I take toomanyTums?
A: Tumsare a good source of calcium in the form of calcium carbonate. However, it is possible to overdo. Excess calcium together with an antacid likeTums can lead to “milk- alkali syndrome.” Symptoms include loss of appetite and stomachache aswell as the formation of kidney stones.