Amazing Health Benefit of Walnut

Walnut are edible seeds. The fruit and seed of walnut are enclosed in a thick, inedible husk. The shell of the fruit that encloses the kernel is hard and two-halved. The seed of the walnut fruits contains significant amounts of nutrients. African walnut is mostly found in Nigeria and some parts of Africa. In the western part of Nigeria, it is known as ausa or asala and gyada in the northern part while in the southern part it’s called ukpa. One of the health benefits of the

African Walnut is that it is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, proteins and fiber. And when compared to other nuts, it is considered “The King of Nuts” due to the numerous health benefits contain in it.
Consuming walnuts as an after-meal dessert has been proven effective for keeping the arteries flexible and for reducing damage caused by fatty foods. This is due to the high content of phytosterols, omega 3 fatty acids and antioxidants in this fruit. Walnuts equally contain high amounts of L-arginine, which is an essential amino acid that can be converted to nitric oxide. It is noteworthy that nitric oxide is a chemical that is essential for smoothing the inner walls of the blood vessels thereby helping the blood vessels to relax. Individuals suffering from hypertension usually find it hard to have balanced nitric oxide levels; thus are prone to have heart problems. However, adding walnuts to their diet is an effective way of combating this problem.
Treatment of Infertility: Walnut seeds have been reported effective for reversing male infertility by boosting sperm production in the testicles. Researchers reveal that men who include more African walnuts in their diet stand higher chances of improving their sperm
health, sperm development and spermatozoa count. This is attributive to the high amount of healthy fatty acids present in these nuts. The leaf extracts of the African walnut (ukpa) can also be used for boosting fertility in women as well as for treating fibroids.
Promotes Quality Sleep: Studies reveal that regular intake of walnuts before sleep is an effective way of facilitating good sleep due to the presence of melatonin. It should be noted that melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland, which acts as a sleep aid as well as a
remedy for tackling certain sleep disorders. Reduces the Cholesterol Level: African walnut is an excellent source of healthy polyunsaturated fat and omega-3 fatty acids, which have
been proven effective for reducing the body’s cholesterol level.
Treatment of Gastroenteritis Diseases: African walnut leaves and barks are used in folk medicines for treating gastroenteritis such as dysentery, stomach pain, diarrhoea and vomiting. Decocted African walnut leaves and seeds are effective for relieving abdominal pains.
Anti-microbial Properties: African walnut possesses anti-microbial properties thus can be used for treating disease-causing pathogens such as bacillus subtilis, candida albicans, and staphylococcus aureus.
Ideal for Pregnant Women: In folk medicines, the leaves extracts are usually taken by pregnant women to prevent risk of miscarriages. Culinary Purposes: Although the African walnuts can be eaten raw, it is preferably eaten cooked, sun-dried or roasted as a snack. The nuts
can equally be ground and used for soup preparations. Ukpa has a similar flavour with that of a chestnut and hazelnut and serves as the perfect spices for flavouring meat, fish and several dishes.
Prevention of Cancer: Studies reveal that the African walnut extracts are effective for minimizing the risk of cancerous growths such as breast and prostate cancer. This is due to its high constituent of ascorbic acid, omega 3 fatty acids, phytosterols and antioxidants
which help to slow down the onset of cancer.
Boosts Cognitive Functioning: African walnut is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), which are both important vitamins for boosting the healthy functioning of the brain. This suggests why the fruit is often referred to as the brain food.
Anti-inflammatory Properties: African walnut is an excellent source of tannin which is very effective for tackling body inflammation thus can be used for treating rheumatoid arthritis, bronchial inflammation or asthma.
Anti-aging Properties: African walnut is a rich source of antioxidants such as ellagic acid, melatonin, manganese, vitamin E, polyphenols and selenium thus can be used for preventing the onset of early ageing as well as  cellular damage.
Regulation of Menstrual Flow: The leaf extracts of the African walnut (ukpa) can be used for regulating menstrual flow in women suffering from irregular menstruation.
Treatment of Toothache: Both the nuts, leaves and barks of the African walnut are believed to be effective for treating toothache. Serves as an Antidote: Both the nuts, leaves and barks of the African walnut act as an effective antidote for counteracting poisons, insect bites, scorpion stings etc. It is also effective for treating certain types of toxic metal poisoning.
Commercial Purposes: African walnut oil, which is produced from the nuts can be used for producing vulcanized oil, stand oil and wood varnish.

By Mercy Kukah