The benefits and harms of walnuts, the use of traditional medicine

Of all the existing types of nuts, the most famous and popular in Russia and neighboring countries is Greek. About what active substances are contained in this product, what is its value for human health, to whom and how much can oily kernels be consumed, and in which cases it is better to refrain from such delicacies - below in the review.

Where does walnut grow and what does walnut look like

Oddly enough, the nut of the same name is not directly related to Greece. Loved by all the drupes grow on a tree belonging to the Nut family. Its Latin name is Juglans regia. The plant's historical homeland is Transcaucasia, as well as the highlands of southern Kyrgyzstan.

Today, the plant is cultivated: in the West - in almost all regions, up to Sweden and Norway, in the East - in the northern regions of India and China, Central, Asia Minor and Western Asia (Iran).

Juglans regia grows large and sprawling, the height of an adult specimen can reach 25 m, and the diameter of the crown is 20 m. The root system in its bulk is not deep, only 20-50 cm from the surface of the earth. The bark is gray, the leaves are large, 40–70 mm in length, oval, alternate, pinnate, located 2–5 pairs on a common handle.

Did you know? According to legend, a walnut tree came to Europe thanks to Alexander the Great, who "borrowed" an unpretentious and high-yielding plant in the garden of Cyrus, the Persian king from the Achaemenid dynasty.

Flowering occurs early, simultaneously with the blooming of leaves. On one specimen, both male and female flowers are formed: the first are sessile and are located at the ends of the branches, while the second form is a hanging earrings. Pollination occurs in a cross way, with the help of wind.

The fruits are a drupe covered with a thick peel, under which there is a light brown woody shell, and already inside it is the core itself: a bone divided by several incomplete partitions.

As the fruit ripens, the outer shell bursts and opens like a flower’s bud, but the shell remains intact. The weight of each drupe after separation of the pericarp is from 5 to 17 g, of which 40-60% are in the shell and only the remainder is in the core.

Fruits reach full maturity in the beginning or in the middle of autumn. Fruiting begins at 10–12 years, reaches full-fledged proportions by 30–40 years, and then, under favorable conditions, can last for centuries.

The chemical composition and calorie content of walnut

The beneficial properties and contraindications of the product can be discussed objectively, having studied its chemical composition and nutritional value. Walnuts - a very nutritious product. Their calorie content is about 656 kcal per 100 grams.

These calories are distributed according to the main nutrient components (BJU) as follows:

  • proteins - 15.23%;
  • fats - 65.21%;
  • carbohydrates - 13.71% (of which 2.61% falls on saccharides, 6.7% - on fiber).

Important! The maximum concentration of vitamin C is found in young nuts, according to this indicator, they can be 8 times ahead of black currants. However, in general, the chemical composition of mature drupes is more saturated and balanced.

The remainder of the food components of the product (approximately 5.85%) are water and ash. It should be noted that in terms of fat content, the fruits of Juglans regia can vary greatly depending on which region the tree grew in. Thus, the highest percentage of this nutrient is found in nuclei from Tajikistan (up to 75%), followed by South Kyrgyzstan and Ukraine (72% and 70%, respectively).

Even less fat in Turkish drupes (no more than 68%), and in France this figure may even be as little as 55% or a little more. Accordingly, the calorific value of the product also changes: with a maximum fat content, it can reach 800 kcal per 100 g.

With regard to the specific chemical composition, among the most significant biologically active substances that may be contained in high-quality walnuts, it should be noted first of all:

VitaminsVitamin A (retinol equivalent, beta-carotene), B vitamins - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, ascorbic acid, tocopherol, phylloquinone
MacronutrientsK, Ca, Si, Mg, Na, S, Ph, Сl
MicronutrientsAl, B, V, Fe, I, Co, Li, Mn, Cu, Mo, Ni, Rb, Se, Sr, Ti, F, Cr, Zn, Zr
Amino acids are essentialValine, arginine, isoleucine, histidine, phenylalanine, threonine, methionine, lysine, tryptophan, etc.
Amino acids are interchangeableTyrosine, glycine, serine, cysteine, alanine, proline, aspartic and glutamic acids
Polyunsaturated fatty acids (including omega-3 and omega-6)Linolenic, linoleic, etc.
Monounsaturated fatty acids (including omega-9)Erukova, oleic, palmitoleic, gadoleic
Saturated Fatty AcidsStearic, palmitic, myristic
Other biologically active substancesTannins, quinones (e.g., juglon), organic and phenolcarboxylic acids, phytosterols, steroids, triterpenoids, flavonoids, anthocyanins, coumarins, alkaloids, etc.

The beneficial properties of walnuts

When used properly, walnuts have tremendous benefits for human health.

  • In particular, this product contributes to:
  • removing from the body salts of heavy metals, as well as products of incomplete redox reactions (antioxidant effect);
  • normalization of the endocrine and respiratory systems;
  • strengthening immunity, increasing the body's resistance to seasonal respiratory and other acute inflammatory diseases;
  • restoration of strength after heavy exertion, physical training, as well as long-term illnesses, including those accompanied by surgical treatment and drug therapy using antibiotics and other potent chemicals;
  • improving the functioning of the cardiovascular system, lowering blood pressure, preserving the elasticity of blood vessels, preventing blood clots, strengthening the heart muscle, and preventing the development of atherosclerosis;
  • reduction of pain;
  • reassurance, relaxation, a better night's sleep and easy awakening in the morning with a feeling of vigor after a good rest;
  • increase resistance to stress, strengthen memory, activate the brain, accelerate response and concentration;
  • lowering the level of "bad" cholesterol in the blood;
  • improving the condition of teeth, bones and nails;
  • balanced saturation of the body with vitamins and minerals;
  • improving blood composition, preventing the development of anemia;
  • reduce the harmful effects of radiation on the body, as well as various kinds of industrial waste (including inhaled, ingested and ingested through the skin), which makes the use of this product very relevant for residents of the metropolis, as well as for people employed in work with harmful production conditions;
  • improving intestinal motility;
  • normalization of metabolic processes in the body;
  • stimulate the liver;
  • fast saturation (due to high nutritional value), and therefore the product can be used as a snack, in addition, it is indispensable during fasting, as well as in the diet of vegetarians and vegans who lack protein intake in the body.

In addition to the general benefits of walnuts to the human body, it is worth mentioning some additional features of the product that make it especially valuable for men, women and children.

Important! Walnuts contain melatonin, which is often called sleep hormone. In fact, this substance adapts the human body to function in conditions of changing daylight hours, which is why walnuts are very useful to eat during the off-season.

For women

Regular consumption of Juglans regia fruits is important for women at any age, and there are a number of reasons for this. During the formation of the menstrual cycle, menstruation is very often accompanied by severe pain in girls, while magnesium, manganese, as well as a number of B vitamins relieve cramps in the lower abdomen and, thus, significantly alleviate the condition.

The complex of vitamins and minerals contained in drupes normalizes the hormonal balance in the body of the expectant mother, increases the likelihood of conception and the normal course of pregnancy throughout its duration.

Folic acid, which is rich in nuts, is often called pregnant vitamin because it plays a very important role in the proper formation of the fetus and prevents such a serious pathology as a neural tube developmental defect, which in some cases is an indication for artificial termination of pregnancy, since it leads to a high probability the birth of a baby with severe mental retardation or diseases of the spinal cord.

It is necessary to take folic acid preparations or to use products with a high content of this vitamin already at the stage of pregnancy planning, this is especially true for women who have previously used hormonal birth control drugs or have abused alcohol.

In the third trimester of pregnancy, when the uterus drops and begins to squeeze the pelvic organs, women often suffer from constipation, so the mild laxative effect on the intestines with walnuts can help eliminate the problem.

Blood pressure spikes are another common symptom during this period, with which only a few purified kernels are able to cope.

Take a closer look

The benefits and harms of walnut for women, how to use it

After successfully resolving pregnancy, it is all the more unnecessary to exclude nuts from your diet, as they help the young mother quickly regain strength, cope with such an unpleasant phenomenon as postpartum depression, and are also included in the list of products that stimulate the production of breast milk.

And the habit of consuming the product will constantly render the women of the fair half of mankind a good service after the onset of the menopause, when the correct fatty composition of blood for a woman is of primary importance.

For men

The beneficial effects of walnuts on reproductive function are not limited to women. This plant product has the ability to improve potency, as well as increase sperm activity, so young couples dreaming of becoming parents should use walnuts together.

However, it must be borne in mind that although nuts are considered an aphrodisiac, a man should not treat them as a cure for erectile dysfunction and use immediately before the upcoming intercourse as Viagra. In fact, the therapeutic effect is ensured by the constant and systematic use of fruits and, as a result, maintaining the vessels in an elastic state.

In addition, it is important to lead a healthy lifestyle, eat right and balanced, give up bad habits and do not forget about physical exercises. By the way, with intensive training, nuts are also very useful, because, due to the high content of protein and tocopherol in them, they perfectly contribute to muscle building.

An additional effect of such a natural “dietary supplement” in sports nutrition is the ability to quickly restore strength and, due to this, increase the intensity of the load.

For men who have reached more mature age, drupes will help reduce unpleasant symptoms of prostatitis, but, again, only in case of constant use of the product against a background of a healthy lifestyle.

Did you know? Walnut is not called because of Greece. The fact is that Byzantine merchants brought caloric fruits to Russia, and the Byzantines at that time, as you know, the Slavs called the Greeks. It is enough to recall that the famous trade route from the Baltic Sea to Constantinople, which runs through all of Eastern Europe, at its extreme points was called "from the Vikings to the Greeks."

For children

For children, walnuts are, first of all, a source of fast energy, as well as vitamins and minerals necessary for a growing body to properly form all organs and systems. In addition, it is very useful to give the product to children who are going to school for the first time, as well as to high school students during exams and control.

Such an addition to the diet will allow the child to learn the submitted training material much better and to cope with the increasing load (both mental and emotional) without much stress. And for healthy development, children need a full and sound sleep, which is also facilitated by the regular use of walnuts.

Contraindications to the use of walnuts

Usually eating walnuts does no harm. Perhaps the only direct contraindication to the use of the product is individual intolerance (an allergic reaction can occur in the form of rashes on the skin or, which is much more dangerous, swelling in the oral cavity, in especially severe cases, ending with Quincke's edema and death).

Find out also what time of day it is better to eat walnuts.

Nevertheless, high calorie content and the presence of a large number of biologically active substances require approaching the use of the product with great care, avoiding overdose. The specific daily norm is a purely individual issue, you should always focus on your own feelings, but on average, doctors recommend eating no more than 5-7 fruits per day.

  • Particularly careful when eating any nuts should be people suffering from:
  • peptic ulcer, gastritis or pancreatitis (during the period of exacerbation, the product is contraindicated);
  • skin diseases of an undiagnosed nature;
  • migraines
  • chronic constipation or, on the contrary, intestinal disorder (drupes improves the functioning of a healthy intestine, but in the presence of problems can aggravate them);
  • increased blood coagulability and varicose veins (the product contains vitamin K, which enhances painful symptoms);
  • severe forms of cardiovascular disease, especially against the background of unstable blood pressure;
  • from inflammatory and other diseases of the throat, in particular, with angina, drupes can cause irritation of an already painful mucous membrane;
  • overweight.

A number of appliances can be found on sale for peeling nuts, but the Nutcracker is the most effective. When buying such a nutcracker, it is worth choosing a model that covers the whole nut.

The use of walnut in medicine

Due to the huge amount of nutrients, walnuts are widely used in medicine, including folk.

For example, as a monoproduct or as part of various dishes, in the form of pasta, decoctions and tinctures of the kernel, intrauterine partitions, pericarp, leaves, as well as bark and Juglans regia oil, are used for prevention and treatment:

  • wounds, cuts, abrasions, cracks, burns and other skin lesions - as an external agent, as well as a general strengthening supplement to the diet;
  • bleeding of various nature, including hemorrhoidal - as an astringent;
  • menstrual and some other types of pain;
  • psoriasis, furunculosis, eczema and some other dermatological problems;
  • stomatitis and other inflammation of the gums and mucous membranes of the oral cavity - brewed leaves are used to rinse;
  • anemia and other diseases associated with iron deficiency;
  • vitamin deficiency, especially seasonal;
  • acute inflammatory diseases, as well as their consequences - as an immunomodulatory and restorative agent;
  • digestive system disorders - it is recommended to use regularly on an empty stomach, in combination with honey;
  • atherosclerosis, hypertension, coronary heart disease - you can mix kernels with raisins, such a dish will additionally strengthen the heart muscle;
  • type 2 diabetes mellitus;
  • depression and insomnia - as a sedative, alcohol tincture from peeled kernels or partitions shows itself well;
  • diseases caused by parasites - as a mild anthelmintic drug, it is best to use immature kernels in combination with a mild laxative;
  • some types of tumors, in particular, prostate adenoma (the product has a pronounced anticarcinogenic effect, therefore it is indicated as a prophylaxis of oncological diseases);
  • violations of the liver, including hepatitis;
  • hyperthyroidism;
  • metabolic disorders;
  • tuberculosis;
  • vitamin deficiency.

We also recommend that you familiarize yourself with the beneficial properties of tinctures from walnut partitions with thyroid gland.

Cooking Walnut

No matter how much walnuts are valued in folk medicine, the main direction of using this product still lies in the culinary plane. Fragrant kernels with a characteristic, slightly bitter taste perfectly complement any dessert or salad, however there are dishes in which nuts play the role of a central and irreplaceable ingredient. A striking example of this is Satsivi.

Whole boiled chicken carcass, disassembled into portions and filled with an incredibly original dressing prepared on the basis of chopped walnuts, will not leave indifferent any gourmet.

Another Georgian way of using nuts is to combine them with eggplant. Именно присутствие в закуске из «синеньких» ореховой нотки позволяет безошибочно отнести блюдо к кавказской кухне.

Интересно, что ставший очень популярным у славян салат из тёртой свёклы с чесноком, черносливом, орехами и майонезом также имеет грузинские корни (в оригинале, правда, в этом блюде нет чернослива, а вместо майонеза присутствует красный винный уксус, и называется оно пхали).

Did you know? Многим с детства знакома невероятно вкусная сладость под названием «козинаки», которую не позволялось есть вдоволь под страхом «испортить зубы». Но мало кто знает, что аутентичное название этого десерта звучит как «гозинаки», что в переводе с грузинского (გოზინაყი) дословно означает именно измельчённые грецкие орехи.

В Дагестане очень популярным лакомством является халва, приготовленная не из подсолнечных семечек, как мы привыкли, а именно из грецких орехов. Что же касается русской кулинарной традиции, то в ней продукт чаще всего является дополнением различных десертов — выпечки, конфет, творожных масс, запеканок и пр.

Не менее любимы орехи и в качестве самостоятельной закуски. Так, заказывая в любом ресторане сырную тарелку, можно не сомневаться, что в качестве «аккомпанемента» к различным сырам на ней будут присутствовать половинки грецких орехов.

Пользу грецких орехов трудно переоценить. Этот продукт показан практически в любом возрасте и помогает не только насытить организм необходимыми витаминами, минералами и аминокислотами, но и предотвратить развитие многих заболеваний. Однако сказанное справедливо лишь при условии, что ароматные ядра не вызывают аллергии, а также употребляются регулярно и в разумных количествах.

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