Enjoy Walnuts As They Can Protect Your Health

Enjoy Walnuts As They Can Protect Your Health

Walnuts are loaded with nutritional benefits. They can improve cholesterol and prevent cardiovascular disease. They are the highest in polyunsaturated fat and the only nut containing a significant amount of Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), the plant type of omega-3 fatty acids. Walnuts are a good source of copper and very good source of manganese.

When planning meals and snacks, think about ways to incorporate walnuts into recipes. Here are some examples:

• Add chopped walnuts to cookie dough and quick breads.
• Toss pasta with a walnut pesto.
• Replace croutons with walnuts.
• Add walnuts to trail mix.
• Stir them into yogurt.
• Add to stir-fry.
• Sprinkle on top of ice cream or frozen yogurt.
• Grind and use to bread chicken breasts and other meats.
• Toss into a salad.

It is best to store walnuts in the refrigerator or freezer. If you plan to use walnuts right away, store in the refrigerator. If walnuts will be stored longer than one month, keep in the freezer. Heat causes the fat in walnuts to changes structure which leads to off odors and flavors.