Walnut is a deciduous tree belonging to the Juglandaceae family, Juglans genus, with about 20 species. China is one of its places of origin. Due to its extremely high nutritional value and unique taste and flavor, the walnut fruit has gained recognition from consumers and has gradually become a popular high-end nut. According to the "Compendium of Materia Medica," walnut is sweet in taste and neutral in nature, and can replenish qi and blood, moisten dryness and resolve phlegm, warm and tonify the kidneys and lungs, and relieve asthma. So, what are the nutritional values of walnuts?
Nutritional Value of Walnuts:
1. Walnut kernels contain relatively high amounts of protein and unsaturated fatty acids essential for human nutrition. These components are important substances for the metabolism of brain tissue cells, which can nourish brain cells and enhance brain function;
2. Walnut kernels can prevent arteriosclerosis and lower cholesterol. In addition, walnuts can also be used to treat non-insulin-dependent diabetes. For cancer patients, walnuts also have effects such as relieving pain, increasing white blood cells, and protecting the liver;
3. Walnut kernels contain a large amount of vitamin E. Regular consumption can moisturize the skin, darken hair, and make the skin moist, smooth, and elastic;
4. When feeling tired, chewing some walnut kernels can help relieve fatigue and stress.
The walnut kernel is crisp, sweet in taste, and has a rich aroma. It can be pressed for oil, roasted for eating, or used as an ingredient in candies and pastries. The walnut kernel contains 7.8-9.6% protein, with more than 7 essential amino acids accounting for over 25% of its content. It also contains 22 trace elements needed by the human body, with abundant calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and iron. According to data analysis, one kilogram of walnut kernels is equivalent in nutritional value to 9 kilograms of fresh milk or 5 kilograms of eggs or 2 kilograms of beef, and its nutrients are more easily absorbed by the human body than those from milk, eggs, and beef. The kernel also has effects such as moistening the lungs and replenishing qi, nourishing blood and relieving asthma, moistening dryness to resolve phlegm, and dispelling deficiency and cold.
In addition to the kernel, the outer pericarp and root bark of the walnut can be used for medicinal purposes. Fresh root bark can be decocted into a soup for soaking and washing to treat hemorrhoids (wet and itchy skin between the toes). The juice squeezed from fresh outer pericarp can be applied to treat skin tinea.