Calories in Walnuts

We hear a lot about walnuts, these days. Apart from the fact, that walnuts are one of the most delicious nuts, they are also one of the healthiest foods available to us today. These little shapeless nuts, indeed a pack a punch with their great nutritive value. They do not have a high amount of saturated fats and do not add too many calories either, making them one of the most healthy foods around, especially for someone trying to lose weight. If you do not want to eat a handful of raw walnuts, you can also use them in several recipes that are very healthy. Thus, we can see that the walnut is not just a healthy nut, but also one which can be consumed in a variety of ways!

Walnuts Calories
Like most nuts, the walnut also comes packed with a host of nutrients. The total calories is not too high and hence, that makes them an ideal food for people trying to lose weight. Estimates say that 25 gm serving of walnuts will add only 164 calories, while an ounce of walnuts will add 185 calories to your daily consumption.

Nutritional Value of Walnuts
Along with the fairly low calorie count in walnuts, there are a few more things which make walnuts a very good snack option. Everyone knows that nuts have a very high oil content and hence, a very high fat content. But, most of the fat in walnuts is polyunsaturated fat and monounsaturated fat. These fats are widely regarded as 'healthy' fats and better, when compared to the saturated fats. Having said that, walnuts also have a high content of omega-3 essential fatty acids, which are very good for the body. Walnuts are also known to actively help reduce the LDL cholesterol (the 'bad' cholesterol) in the blood. Hence, for people with heart disease, it is decidedly very beneficial.

Walnuts Health Benefits
Walnuts have a wide range of health-related benefits. Here are some of the health benefits of walnuts.

• As discussed before, walnuts are good for people with heart-related problems and for those with high cholesterol, as they help reduce the levels of cholesterol in the body. But the omega-3 fatty acids do more than just that. These fatty acids also aid better mental function and protect the body against rheumatoid arthritis and eczema.
• Walnuts are also high in melatonin, which has good antioxidant qualities.
• Walnuts are also a very rich source of proteins, fiber, vitamin B and minerals like iron, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese and copper.
• Walnuts also contain ellagic acid, which helps support the immune system. Ellagic acid is also said to have good anti-cancer properties.
• Walnuts are also said to have wondrous aphrodisiacal qualities and help boost erection in men. Walnuts contain an amino acid, which gets absorbed in the body and helps to slightly enlarge blood vessels and increase the blood supply to the necessary areas.
• Walnuts are known to have a mild laxative effect and help ease the constipation problem.

As you can see, walnuts are a very utile food item. Walnuts help reduce the calorie intake and cholesterol, as well as increase the level of omega-3 fatty acids. They also taste great and can be used in some wonderful recipes. What more could you ask for?