Aren't walnuts high in fat and calories? That makes them bad, right?

Hold on there! Be careful of completely writing off something just because it may have more fat and calories than the average celery stick!

Walnuts are very heart-healthy. In fact, they have a greater amount of omega-3 fatty acids than a serving of salmon.

Walnuts help decrease inflammation, which keeps blood vessels nice and elastic. They help prevent hardening of the arteries by limiting the amount of plaque build up on arterial walls, as well as lowering LDL (the type of cholesterol we don't want)!

Walnuts are high in antioxidants, which are believed to decrease the risk of various cancers.

They are also a good source of protein, which is, among other things, important in muscle repair.

How can I add walnuts to my diet?

Great question. You can add walnuts to your oatmeal, yogurt, salad, rice, chicken dishes, or trail mix. They're also great as a post workout snack.

Yes, but... aren't walnuts high in calories?

The calories in walnuts can add up, so don't eat an entire bowl of them! One serving is just 1 ounce, about 7 nuts. Moderation is the key here - as with everything, actually.

Heart-Healthy Trail Mix - Want a tasty, on-the-go snack that's also healthy for your heart? Try this quick and easy trail mix recipe that’s fresher and without the preservatives found in store-bought varieties. Plus, you can be in control of what you add to it. So have fun!

2 cups Walnuts (halved or in pieces)
1/4 cup dried apples
1/4 cup dried cherries
1/4 cup dried cranberries

Mix together and put in air-tight container, or use a 1/2 cup measuring tool to divide the mix into little baggies. You’re good to go!

Photo credits: cajunbaby, lusi

Originally posted 2007-12-18 08:00:40. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Categories:

General Health, Nutrition

Tags:

Benefits of walnuts, heart healthy walnuts, trail mix recipe, walnuts health benefits