Thursday, April 18, 2024
ADVT 
Health & Fitness

Walnuts for a healthy heart

Darpan News Desk IANS, 01 Oct, 2022 12:18 PM
  • Walnuts for a healthy heart

New Delhi, Oct 1 (IANSlife) In 2016, according to the WHO, India reported 63 per cent of total deaths due to non-communicable diseases, and 27 per cent were attributed to cardiovascular disease (CVD). Of those, heart attack and stroke are two of the most common causes of death in our country. Now those are pretty scary numbers, and they are only growing by the year.

Blame it on our family's medical history or the fast-paced lifestyle that's leading to complaints of high cholesterol, but you and I, too, are at the risk of developing heart disease. Fortunately, several factors help us lower our risk of CVD and take the high road to a healthy heart. In anticipation of World Heart Day, let's deep dive into how you can lower the risks with Ryan Fernando, Celebrity Nutritionist and Founder of QUA Nutrition -- Signature Nutrition Clinic

Q: How do walnuts help your heart health?

A: According to research, an important move is to consume a handful of California walnuts as part of a healthy, nutritious diet and couple it with physical activity. This may help lower your risk of heart disease and hence, deserves a spot on your plate. The polyunsaturated fats, aka good fats, and ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) in these wonder nuts may improve cholesterol levels and lower blood pressure, which are two major contributors to heart disease risk.

1,2. In addition, these nutrient powerhouses are known to help reduce inflammation and improve blood vessel function.

3. A recent scientific review published in Advances of Nutrition also suggests that food sources high in plant-based omega-3 ALA, such as walnuts, should be part of a heart-healthy eating pattern.

4. Not convinced yet? The American Heart Association (AHA) has found that including four or more servings of nuts, including walnuts every week and other foods, may help lower one's risk of heart disease. And that's not it, AHA has also certified walnuts as a heart-healthy food through its 'Heart Check Mark' programme.

Q: What is the ideal portion of walnuts one should consume?

A: A handful of walnuts, which is nearly 28 g, is advisable for daily consumption. This amount contains 2.5g of essential plant-based omega-3, 4g protein, and 2g fibre, all essential for overall wellness.

Q: What is the best time of the day to eat walnuts?

A: While walnuts can be eaten throughout the year, at any time of the day, I believe the best time to eat them is in the evenings. These contain PICO melatonin, which goes into your brain and increases serotonin levels, eventually promoting sleep.

Q: Five simple ways to include walnuts in your daily diet

A:

* Make snack time healthy with a handful of plain California walnuts, or you can amp up the flavour by sprinkling your favourite spice mix over them

* Mix coarsely grounded walnuts with a portion of hung curd and turn it into a delicious creamy dip

* You can also grind walnuts and add them to your curries, which are a good source of plant-based omega-3

* Poha, upma, or kachumbar, walnuts add a perfect crunch for any time snacks

* Walnuts are the perfect accompaniment for a low-calorie diet, and another great idea to consume is by blending them into your morning smoothie

We all deserve to choose what's best for us. And for making such decisions, you need the right information. Now that you've read about the health benefits of walnuts, it's time to go nuts about these nuts!

MORE Health & Fitness ARTICLES

Impact Of Poor Muscle Health On Your Body's Immunity

Impact Of Poor Muscle Health On Your Body's Immunity
Maintaining good health, supporting muscles, and aiding in blood sugar control all depend on regular exercise. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise every week.

Impact Of Poor Muscle Health On Your Body's Immunity

Why healthy eating is important

Why healthy eating is important
Healthy eating does not entail avoiding fat, consuming fewer calories, or simply boiling your food. A well-balanced, nutritious diet must be adopted in order to develop healthy eating habits, which include eating everything in the proper quantities, at the proper times, and in the proper combinations. 

Why healthy eating is important

Before you go bungy jumping, keep these five things in mind!

Before you go bungy jumping, keep these five things in mind!
While bungy jumping is the most sought-after activity by adrenaline junkies, if you are going for bungy jumping for the first time, then it can be a nerve-wracking experience. Your mind will play tricks and juggle with multiple feelings of fear of the unknown, whether you made the right decision, or how your body will react. Here are five things you can do or keep in mind to be better prepared for an adventure of a lifetime. 

Before you go bungy jumping, keep these five things in mind!

What is a Low Sugar Diet ?

What is a Low Sugar Diet ?
According to the studies, your sugar intake should not exceed 5 per cent of your total daily calories. This means that a typical adult's sugar intake should not exceed 30g per day. The most harmful type of sugar is free sugar, which is found in fizzy drinks, fruit juices, biscuits, cakes, and chocolate.

What is a Low Sugar Diet ?

How restorative therapy can unleash your creativity?

How restorative therapy can unleash your creativity?
Those who practise yoga learn to connect with their body, mind, and soul, while those who practise meditation employ breath work to achieve supreme relaxation. Yoga is frequently linked to a steady increase in flexibility and strength, but it's also an excellent way to foster creativity. Yoga aids in the development of creative force, and research are supporting the claims made by practitioners.

How restorative therapy can unleash your creativity?

How do you deal with social anxiety?

How do you deal with social anxiety?
Social anxiety disorder can be a crippling condition that affects every aspect of a person's life. Intense fear, racing heart, sweating, and difficulty speaking are all symptoms. Here are a number of things you can do on your own to help deal with social anxiety. 

How do you deal with social anxiety?