Walnut is highly beneficial for human cardiovascular system because it has got the ability to control cholesterol accumulated in the heart. So, let us learn the effect of walnuts on cholesterol in detail and see how walnuts are heart healthy.

What is the effect of walnuts on cholesterol?

1. The most important effect of walnut is, it helps to reduce bad cholesterol or LDL that blocks the arteries causing heart attacks and other cardiovascular diseases.
2. The other effect of walnut is its ability to build heart healthy cholesterol otherwise called as HDL. This heart healthy cholesterol keeps the heart healthy by preventing formation and accumulation of LDL.

What makes walnuts heart healthy?

No other food can beat walnuts when it comes to taking care of your heart. They are loaded with nutrients essential for a healthy heart.

Omega 3 fatty acids

The effect of walnuts on cholesterol is majorly contributed by Omega 3. Walnut is the richest source of Omega 3, a fatty acid that is polyunsaturated. This compound is responsible for controlling cholesterol by eliminating LDL and building HDL.

L-arginine

Another effect of walnuts on cholesterol is through a nutrient called L-arginine. This compound is believed to keep arteries and blood vessels elastic and thereby healthy.

Fiber

All nuts are loaded with fiber, so are walnuts. Effect of walnut on cholesterol is contributed by its fiber content to a greater extent because fiber helps to lower cholesterol and walnut is a great source of cholesterol.

To benefit from the effects of walnuts on cholesterol, it is essential to include walnuts in daily diet. Even FDA has approved of the healthy effects of walnut and recommends a handful intake every day to get maximum health benefits walnuts.

There are some interesting ways of including walnuts in daily diet to keep your heart healthy.

1. Eat walnuts for evening snacks.
2. Sprinkle some walnuts into your oatmeal and start your day with a cholesterol friendly breakfast.
3. Add walnuts to muffins, cakes and breads.
4. Add some walnuts to salads, it will give a crunchy and earthy texture and makes the salad more interesting.
5. Use walnut oil, the effect of walnut oil is the same as walnuts. Use it for making salad dressings and dips.

The effect of walnuts on cholesterol is highly beneficial for preventing heart diseases but not for curing.  Consulting a dietician or doctor is highly recommended.

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