Walnuts

January 1, 2008

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Alternative medicine: Walnut Tue, 01 Jan 2008 18:07:55 By Khashayar, MD., Press TV, Tehran

Walnuts are believed to possess cardio-protective and anti inflammatory effects due to their high antioxidant and omega-3 content. Botanical: Juglans nigra (LINN.) Family: N.O. Juglandaceae Synonym: Carya. Jupiter's Nuts. Habitat: Walnuts are native to south-east Europe, and south-west and central Asia. Description: The walnut tree is a 20 to 30 meter tall tree which has a thick trunk and many twisting branches. The walnut fruit is oval shaped and has a shiny green soft coat called a husk or shuck which changes to dark brown when it ripens. Part Used Medicinally: Fruit, leaves, bark. Constituents: The ancient Greek used walnuts as food because of its high calorie content. They are also a good source of fats, protein, fiber, phosphorus, manganese, copper, magnesium and vitamins B, E and D. Walnuts are high in antioxidants (phytochemical, ellagic acid) and ALA, a plant-based omega-3 fatty acid. They also contain arginine an amino acid that the body uses to produce the necessary nitric oxide for keeping blood vessels flexible. Nucin or Juglon is the active principle of the walnut tree.

The kernels contain oil, mucilage, albumin, minerals, cellulose and water. Medicinal Uses: In traditional Chinese medicine walnut seeds were considered a kidney tonic and good for the brain, back, and skin. Walnut seeds also relieve constipation secondary to dehydration. Walnuts help reduce the onset of arterial inflammation and oxidation after high in saturated fat meals. They also help the arteries maintain their elasticity and flexibility even in the presence of higher cholesterol. The FDA has announced that eating 1.5 ounces per day of walnuts as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol can reduce heart disease risk. A walnut diet significantly reduces total and LDL (bad) cholesterol; it also increases the arterial elasticity and prevents atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). Frequent nut consumption is associated with a reduced risk of weight gain (5 kg or more).

Regular walnut use can improve the cholesterol profile in diabetics. Walnuts are not only rich in melatonin but also triple melatonin blood levels and its antioxidant activity. Melatonin improves sleep in night shift workers and those suffering from jet lag. Maintaining healthy levels of this hormone is important in individuals aged 40 years and older as it fights free radical-related diseases. The omega-3 content of walnuts can help cardiovascular protection, promote cognitive function. Its anti-inflammatory benefits are helpful in asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis as well as eye lid inflammation. Walnut extract can reduce the risk or delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease. Walnuts also contain an antioxidant compound (ellagic acid) that supports the immune system and appears to have several anticancer properties. Walnuts are a very good source of manganese and copper, two minerals that are essential cofactors in antioxidant defenses. Like other nuts walnuts reduce the risk of strokes, developing type 2 diabetes, dementia, advanced macular degeneration and gallstones. Walnuts improve metabolism and reduce excessive perspiration. They are recommended for patients with liver ailments. Walnut bark and leaves have laxative, astringent and detergent properties, and are used in the treatment of skin diseases including scrofulous diseases, herpes and eczema. The leaves are also used in treating infantile dermatitis. The infusion of powdered walnut bark is an effective purgative. Caution: Walnuts can be allergen. The leaves and outer green husk are deadly poisons for fish and most animals. PKH/HGH

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