Walnut trees are native to parts of Europe and Asia. Walnuts contain high amounts of antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and other nutrients that are beneficial for heart and brain health. Traditional medicine used various parts of the walnut tree to treat constipation, skin conditions, and as a diuretic. Modern research has found that eating walnuts daily can help reduce risk of heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Walnuts should be consumed in moderation as the leaves and husks can be toxic.
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Alternative medicine: Walnut
Tue, 01 Jan 2008 18:07:55
By Patricia Khashayar, MD., Press TV, Tehran
Walnuts are believed to possess cardio-protective and anti inflammatory effects due to their
high antioxidant and omega-3 content.
Botanical: Juglans nigra (LINN.)
Family: N.O. Juglandaceae
Synonym: Carya. Jupiter's Nuts.
Habitat:
Walnuts are native to south-east Europe, and south-west and central Asia.
Description:
The walnut tree is a 20 to 30 meter tall tree which has a thick trunk and many twisting
branches.
The walnut fruit is oval shaped and has a shiny green soft coat called a husk or shuck which
changes to dark brown when it ripens.
Part Used Medicinally:
Fruit, leaves, bark.
Constituents:
The ancient Greek used walnuts as food because of its high calorie content. They are also a
good source of fats, protein, fiber, phosphorus, manganese, copper, magnesium and vitamins
B, E and D.
Walnuts are high in antioxidants (phytochemical, ellagic acid) and ALA, a plant-based omega-
3 fatty acid. They also contain arginine an amino acid that the body uses to produce the
necessary nitric oxide for keeping blood vessels flexible.
Nucin or Juglon is the active principle of the walnut tree.
The kernels contain oil, mucilage, albumin, minerals, cellulose and water.
Medicinal Uses:
In traditional Chinese medicine walnut seeds were considered a kidney tonic and good for the
brain, back, and skin.
Walnut seeds also relieve constipation secondary to dehydration.
Walnuts help reduce the onset of arterial inflammation and oxidation after high in saturated
fat meals. They also help the arteries maintain their elasticity and flexibility even in the
presence of higher cholesterol.
The FDA has announced that eating 1.5 ounces per day of walnuts as part of a diet low in
saturated fat and cholesterol can reduce heart disease risk.
http://www.presstv.com/pop/print.aspx?id=37135 3/17/2008