Snacking on walnuts is not only a healthier alternative but also boosts heart health
Nuts have long been known to be a great source of healthy fats, protein, and fibre. Among different types of nuts, walnuts stand out as one of the most nutritious and beneficial for heart health. Eating walnuts regularly can have a significant positive impact on your heart's health and lower your risk of cardiovascular disease. In this article, we will discuss eight ways in which eating walnuts can lead to a healthier heart.
8 ways in which walnuts improve heart health:
1. Reducing cholesterol levels
High cholesterol levels are one of the leading risk factors for heart disease. Eating walnuts can significantly lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and increase HDL (good) cholesterol levels, both of which are essential for maintaining optimal heart health.
2. Controlling blood pressure
High blood pressure is another common risk factor for heart disease. Walnuts are rich in magnesium, which plays a vital role in regulating blood pressure. Eating walnuts regularly can help to keep your blood pressure levels in check and reduce your risk of heart disease.
Eating walnuts may help control blood pressure numbers
Photo Credit: iStock
3. Reduced inflammation
Chronic inflammation in the body is linked to various health problems, including heart disease. Walnuts contain compounds like polyphenols and omega-3 fatty acids that have potent anti-inflammatory properties. Eating walnuts regularly can help to reduce inflammation in the body, reducing your risk of heart disease.
4. Improving endothelial function
Endothelial dysfunction, which is the impairment of blood vessel function, is another risk factor for heart disease. The endothelium is the inner lining of blood vessels, and it plays a crucial role in regulating blood flow and blood pressure. Eating walnuts regularly can help to improve endothelial function, which can reduce your risk of heart disease.
5. Preventing blood clotting
Blood clots can also contribute to heart disease. Walnuts contain a natural compound called arginine that helps to prevent blood clotting. Arginine can also help to relax blood vessels, which can improve blood flow and reduce blood pressure.
6. Reducing oxidative stress
Oxidative stress is a condition where there is an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the body's ability to neutralise them. This can damage cells and tissues, leading to various health problems, including heart disease. Walnuts contain antioxidants that help to reduce oxidative stress, protecting your heart from damage.
Also read: This Is How And When You Should Eat Walnuts; Let's Know From Our Expert
7. Improving lipid metabolism
Walnuts have been shown to improve lipid metabolism, which is the process by which the body breaks down and uses fats. This can lead to a reduction in the amount of fat stored in the body, which can improve heart health.
8. Boosting overall health
Eating walnuts can benefit your overall health in various ways, which can indirectly contribute to heart health. For example, walnuts contain nutrients like vitamin E, B-complex vitamins, and minerals like magnesium, which are all essential for maintaining optimal health.
Eating walnuts can have numerous benefits for your heart's health. Regular consumption of walnuts can help to reduce cholesterol levels, control blood pressure, reduce inflammation, improve endothelial function, prevent blood clotting, reduce oxidative stress, improve lipid metabolism, and boost overall health. Incorporating walnuts into your diet is an easy way to improve your heart's health and reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease. So, start adding walnuts to your daily diet and give your heart the extra boost it deserves.
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.