Walnuts are also one of the richest dietary sources of serotonin, a chemical in your brain that helps create calm and happiness, as well as improve your mood.
Walnuts for the win
When consumed in moderation, most nuts are great sources of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats as well as protein. But walnuts have the edge when it comes to curing the symptoms of depression because they are one of the finest plant-based sources of Omega-3 fatty acids as well.
Walnuts are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids. Including them in your daily diet can help fight depression and stress. Soaked walnuts are also great for enhancing the mood. Walnuts are a good source of calcium, potassium, iron, copper and zinc.
Eating a handful of walnuts every day can lower your bad cholesterol level, known as LDL or low-density lipoprotein. In addition to providing your body with the nutritional benefits it needs, walnuts are linked to a reduction in inflammation.
An ounce (30 grams) of walnuts a day has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease. The recommended serving size is a small handful or 1½ ounces (45 grams) a day.
Excessive consumption of walnuts may cause diarrhea, bloating, stomach pain or kidney stones. Due to the phytic acid they contain, too many walnuts may also inhibit the absorption of dietary iron, calcium and zinc. Recommendation: One ounce (10-14) English walnut halves per day.
Cashews.
Cashews are rich in tryptophan, a neurochemical that our bodies turn into serotonin. They are also rich in magnesium and vitamin B6, both essential for the overall health and for controlling mood swings. Stick with unsalted nuts and avoid large packages. Remember that just a handful per day should be enough.
Walnuts. Walnuts are the top nut for brain health. They have a significantly high concentration of DHA, a type of Omega-3 fatty acid. Among other things, DHA has been shown to protect brain health in newborns, improve cognitive performance in adults, and prevent or ameliorate age-related cognitive decline.
3. Walnuts. Omega-3 fatty acids are often linked to improved brain health, and walnuts are an excellent plant-based source of this nutrient. Unsaturated fats like nuts, seeds, and avocados are imperative to brain function, and a diet too low in overall fat may result in regular brain fog.
“Furthermore, research has shown that increasing dietary tryptophan, which the brain uses to make serotonin (a natural mood stabilizer), results in reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression,” she noted. “Thus, the presence of tryptophan in walnuts may have also contributed to these findings.”
Walnuts also possess more polyphenolic compounds than any other type of nut. Both omega-3 fatty acids and polyphenols are considered critical brain foods that may counteract oxidative stress and inflammation, two drivers of cognitive decline. Hence, walnuts could beneficially influence cognition.
Walnuts also contain DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid, which is responsible for the modulation of dopamine concentrations (6). Walnuts and almonds are good sources of folate, which also helps produce dopamine (7).
In order to produce dopamine, your body needs to break down an amino acid known as tyrosine, which is present in abundance in nuts such as almonds and walnuts, and seeds such as flax seeds. Snacking on a handful of them during the day can up your dopamine levels and help you a great deal.
In general, eating a healthy diet packed with fruits and veggies is linked to greater happiness. Whole grains, healthy fats, and nutrient-rich proteins (fish, nuts, beans), can also do your health, mind, and mood some major favors.
Walnuts contain essential omega-3 fatty acids, and other polyphenols that have been shown to help prevent memory loss. Walnuts are also one of the richest dietary sources of serotonin, a chemical in your brain that helps create calm and happiness, as well as improve your mood.
“We found that those who consumed about half a cup of walnuts every day showed improvements in self-reported mental health indicators,” said the researchers. “Walnut consumers also showed improved metabolic biomarkers and overall sleep quality in the longer term.”
“Substantial evidence shows that small improvements in diet greatly benefit health. Eating 2 to 3 oz of walnuts a day as part of a healthful diet could be a good way to improve gut health and reduce the risk of heart disease.”
Final Thoughts. As nutritious as walnuts are, you don't need lots of them to reap the benefits. Also, too much consumption has been associated with gastrointestinal discomfort, allergic reactions, and high-calorie intake, causing weight gain, Make it a routine to stick to anything between 7-10 walnuts per day.
APP-transgenic mice (AD-tg) with the APP gene mutation show memory deficit and Aβ deposition in the brain and are considered an animal model of AD. The recommended daily serving of walnuts is 1–1.5 oz, i.e., 28–42 g, which is equivalent to 12–18 walnut halves.