Why walnuts are the ultimate brain food

by Nanditha

(NaturalNews) The local pharmacy is promoting memory and mood-enhancing drugs. The advertisement says "if coffee is a socially acceptable drug, then why not this?" This is the age of instant gratification with a huge debate in tow about the ethics of peddling and consuming drugs for just about anything and everything.

The easy way out, as we well know, is never the best way out. The instant solution to anything is somewhat dubious in the face of ancient, grandmotherly wisdom especially for body, mind and soul.

Enter walnuts

Walnuts are the same shape as the human brain. So what's new here? Considered the ultimate superfood, walnuts are now being served up as brain medicine for many reasons, not the least of which is because they are replete with omega-3 fatty acids, an essential fatty acid to keep the brain functioning normally.
Research says that low omega-3 intake can be linked to depression and cognitive degeneration. Eating a fistful of walnuts regularly then can keep the spirits up and prop up the grey cells for good measure. What is more, walnuts are known to raise melatonin levels by a whopping three times, promising relief from sleeplessness and insomnia. So if you're tired of counting sheep at night and would appreciate a knock-out sleep instead, then consider ingesting a few walnuts as a pre-bedtime snack.

What is more, the walnut is considered a potion of sorts for the heart - it reduces cholesterol and enhances heart health. This nut is a powerhouse of nutrients - manganese, copper, iron, calcium, phosphorus - the stuff of a good, healthy, happy body. Walnuts contain more antioxidants, folic acid and vitamin E than any other nut, and specifically black walnuts have the highest content (among nuts) of an amino acid called argenine which is essential for cell division and protein synthesis.

If you are struggling to win the battle of the bulge, then turn to this ubiquitous nut for help. Walnuts are full of healthy lean protein, polyunsaturated fats, and are a powerhouse of polyphenols. Walnuts are easy to incorporate into the daily diet. If eating an ounce of nuts a day is not your thing, however, then throw them in your oats, salads, pasta and rice dishes or discover and share new wholesome ways of eating this delicious nut.

It is reasonable to assume that a healthy diet is medicine for the body and soul - your ticket to health heaven, all things considered, in your own hands.

The term food pharmacy is actually a reference to a real thing - the well endowed kitchen pantry that has healing foods as a matter of course, with answers to many an ailment, not just the common cold. So if you are not a serious snacker, better become one and give the medicine corporations a run for their money.

Sources for this article include:

http://www.prevention.com

http://www.dailymail.co.uk