The California Walnut Commission lent support to research projects that resulted in 29 peer-reviewed published papers in 2014.
To date, research on California walnuts has culminated in 150 publications over the past two decades – and every year more is revealed about the exciting health benefits of this nutrition-packed nut.
Among the important 2014 results:
The key ingredient in walnuts is walnuts
We learned more about specific compounds that exist in walnuts, including some that were previously unknown. While studies on diet must be considered within a context of many factors, it appears that the benefits of the whole walnut are greater than the sum of its individual parts. Nutritional research continues to give us an array of inspiring reasons for adding walnuts to meals and enjoying as snacks.
Years of cardiovascular research summarized
In 2014, researchers reviewed the body of CVD research related to walnuts, and their conclusions are compelling: eating walnuts improves risk factors for cardiovascular disease.According to the paper, “Over the past 2 decades, many studies have been conducted that have evaluated the effects of walnut consumption on CVD risk factors. Walnuts have been shown to decrease low density lipoprotein cholesterol (by ∼9–16%) and blood pressure (diastolic blood pressure by ∼2–3 mm Hg), 2 major risk factors for CVD. In addition, walnuts improve endothelial function, decrease both oxidative stress and some markers of inflammation, and increase cholesterol efflux. The effect of walnuts on multiple CVD targets over relatively short periods of time supports recommendations for their inclusion in a heart-healthy diet.”
A closer look at walnuts and brain health
The focus of three studies published this year, brain health is an exciting, expanding area in walnut research. A recent animal study analyzed the link between walnuts and Alzheimer’s disease, while another in vitro study from earlier in the year suggested that eating walnuts was responsible for “antioxidant and anti-inflammatory protection or enhancement of membrane-associated functions in brain cells.” The third, a scientific meetings proceeding, explored the role of walnuts in maintaining brain health with age. Because these findings are based on animal models, additional research is required to determine the effect on humans.
These are only a few focal points from a year packed full of research that truly advances our knowledge on walnuts. Eager to read more? Visit our Health Research page to find the full list of studies from this and prior years, and discover the latest studies relevant to your practice and patients.
