The walnut oil health benefits come from highly useful nutrients of the oil. Walnut oil is received from nuts of the English walnuts as Wikipedia states . Walnuts are more studied in comparison with walnut oil. A lot of researches have proven their health efficiency. Is walnut oil healthy as well? Yes. The health benefits of walnut oil and walnuts are alike in case the oil is cold-pressed, unrefined, raw and fresh. What are the benefits of walnut oil?
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Source of omega-3 fatty acids
Walnut oil is high in omega-3 fatty acids, namely alpha-linolenic acid ALA. It cannot be produced by the body and is received from our nutrition. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published a study according to which there is 1.4 grams of ALA in one tablespoon of walnut oil. Men need 1.6 grams of ALA every day and women require 1.1 grams. ALA is converted into EPA and DHA essentially necessary for the whole body functioning.
SEE ALSO: Algae Oil as the Best Omega-3s Source
Cardio-protective function
As walnut oil is rich in monounsaturated fats, omega-3 fats and low in saturated fats it helps prevent the heart disease and heart attack. These fatty acids help your arteries keep supple and flexible. Walnut oil preserves the functioning of endothelial cells forming the blood vessels walls. It helps prevent hypertension and plaques formation as it regulates blood clotting.
Lowering bad cholesterol
Regular consuming walnut oil lessens LDL and triglycerides level. According to the Food and Drug Administration walnut oil consumption lowers triglycerides by 19-33%. The researchers point out that alpha-linolenic acid together with gamma-tocopherol and phytosterols lead to total cholesterol reduction. Combine walnut oil with fish oil to lower cholesterol.
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Support of the nervous system
According to Medical News Today researches have proven that nutrition rich in walnut oil and walnuts helps the body deal with stress in a better way. Moreover, omega-3 fatty acids support our brain health as they form brain cells outer membranes which transmit nervous signals for thinking and learning. Brain cells require omega-3 fats constantly. Walnut oil is a wonderful supplier of them.
Reducing inflammation
Omega-3 and omega-9 fatty acids in walnut oil may help lower inflammation and protect from arthritis and other inflammatory diseases. Read also how castor oil prevents arthritis.
Source of minerals, vitamins and antioxidants
Walnut oil is considered one of the richest in antioxidants among nuts oils. Antioxidants fight free radicals and prevent cell damage and aging processes. So one of walnut oil benefits is that the oil has the anti-aging effect and can be used for supporting the skin health. Moreover, walnut oil is considered effective against cancer. The ellagic acid found in walnuts has anti-bacterial and antiviral properties and is associated with cancer prevention. However, treatment of cancer is often mentioned among black walnut oil benefits although there are no researches proving it. Walnut oil health benefits are also closely connected with vitamins and minerals contained in it: vitamin E, B1, B2, B3, zinc, phosphorous, selenium and niacin.
Skin health
The fatty acid composition of walnut oil together with its antioxidant properties may help better your skin properties, keep up the skin health (women tend to use walnut oil for skin care) and treat skin conditions like eczema, skin ulcers, sunburns, dandruff and itchy scalp.