Walnut Benefits and Side Effects / Akhrot Benefits: Walnut or commonly known as Akhrot in Hindi, is one of the most loved dried fruits of all time. It forms a delightful part of Indian sweets to swizz chocolates. Though having a bitter taste it sinfully enhances the tastes of all kinds of sweet savories. Diwali gift boxes seem rather plain without the presence of a handful of walnut halves. But there is more to walnuts than one can imagine, read on to find out more!!
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Improves Heart Health
One of the most sought-after health benefits of consuming walnuts is helping to lower down bad cholesterol. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids which lowers the bad cholesterol and boosts the product of good cholesterol in the body. Doctors all over the world advise heart patients to make walnuts an important part of their diet regime.
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Encourages Weight Loss
Though not directly but indirectly walnut helps to lose weight. It is no doubt filled with calories but doctors advise consumptions of walnuts in place of French fries and burgers. It is a natural and healthier alternative to junk food. It helps to control one’s appetite thus encouraging weight control.
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Improves Digestion
Walnuts are full of fiber which ensures the smooth functioning of bowel movements. Regular intake of walnuts is known to reduce the problems of constipation and improves the gut health considerably.
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Skin care
Walnut being rich in vitamin B and Vitamin E proves to be very beneficial for the skin. Walnut oil when applied on the skin during winters helps to keep the skin soft and moisturized all day long. It also reduces signs of dark circles and delays skin ageing.
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Hair care
Walnut oil when applied to the hair regularly is known to enhance the growth and density of the hair. It helps to keep dandruff at bay and keeps the scalp moisturized. For long and lustrous hair walnut oil is the one-stop solution. Along with the application of walnut oil, consumption of walnut halves acts as a boon for the long mane.
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Treatment Of Cancer
Recent studies prove that walnut helps to reduce the risk of cancer. Regular consumption of walnuts is known to prevent prostate cancer as well as breast cancer. A compound called polyphenol present in the walnuts help to fight against the growth of cancer cells.
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Brain Health
As discussed earlier, walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acid which is known to keep the brain healthy. Regular consumption of walnuts helps to relieve stress and improves memory.
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Beneficial for pregnancy
Walnuts prove to be very beneficial for pregnant women. Walnut enhances brain development of the child and makes it strong. It contains vitamin-B along with other compounds like folates, riboflavin, thiamin, etc. which provide the necessary nutrition to the mother and the fetus.
Walnut Sideffects :
- Excessive consumption can cause softening of stool and bloating
- It is fattening if other fats are not reduced from diet
- May cause allergic reactions to those who are sensitive to it