I’ve Fallen In Love With a Nut!

There are plenty of nuts out there to love, but the one that has stolen my heart is none other than– Mr. Walnut. Ohhh…how I love the way he tempts me with his nutty flavor and sweet bite after only 10 minutes in a 325 degree oven. His aroma fills my senses with an irresistible craving. Yes, I like him in the raw as well, but there’s just something indescribable about his luscious crunch after a short pop in the oven. I can hardly go a day without his reminding me of why– I so desperately want and need him in my life.

 Here are several good reasons why you too should consider–“Falling in Love with a Nut.” 

• Walnuts contain ellagic acid which appears to battle cancer on different fronts. His rich antioxidants disable free radicals which help to prevent cancer cells from dividing. The high Vitamin E content found in walnuts may also assist in cancer prevention. It appears to kills certain types of cancer cells while leaving the healthy cells in tact. 
• Try a handful of walnuts every day to lower bad cholesterol (LDL) while at the same time raising good cholesterol (HDL) levels. Not having enough HDL and having too much LDL contributes to clogged arteries–which we all know is bad news.
• This wonderful nut is packed with nutrients—that protect our delicate skin. Vitamins A, C and E are often found in skin creams which profess to make us look younger. No professing here—Mr. Walnut tops the list of foods that fight aging by protecting our skin against sun damage and atmospheric pollutants. This nut just happens to be one of the Super foods that contains skin saving vitamins A, B, C, and E…naturally. 
• Need to lose a few—unwanted—pounds or having trouble keep weight off? Walnuts are packed with Omega-3 fatty acids which may help in shedding those last few—stubborn—pounds. By eating 4-5 walnut halves a day, maintaining an otherwise healthy diet, and incorporating exercise on a daily basis, walnuts can speed up your metabolism and assist in losing weight more quickly.
• Those restless nights, if only I had a natural sleep aid….Mr. Walnut to the rescue!!!  Melatonin occurs naturally in walnuts, which has been shown to be an effective sleep aid and helps to lessen the effects of jet lag.
• Memory problems? Try eating 10 walnut halves daily which may reduce the risk or slow the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. Laboratory studies have shown that diets containing at least 2% of walnuts may reverse age related motor and cognitive deficits.
• Walnuts are an amazing energy booster. Feeling a little sluggish around mid-morning? Try a handful of walnuts and raisins which keep energy levels up throughout the day. Walnuts are also a great pre-workout food. 　

I now know–more than ever before–I am ready for a life long commitment. You’ve captured my heart Mr. Walnut —and made it healthier.

Gale Compton