Why Walnuts Are A Must...

One of my aunts always offered various nuts as a hospitality gesture to guests in her home.

My father would walk a B-line straight to the nutcracker while grabbing a handful of shelled nuts. As I'm unwrapping my aunt's saltwater taffy, I always see my father cracking nutshells and wiggling his shoes - his non-verbal gesture of pure bliss.

My aunt's bowl was mixed with a variety of nuts. She mainly offered pecans and walnuts because her backyard was filled with nut trees.

Walnuts originated in the Mediterranean region and central Asia.

Known as Juglans regia, walnuts is a tree nut within the walnut family. The protein-packed food grows inside a brown-colored shell equivalent to the size of a golf ball. Inside the shell, you'll find a prune-like wrinkled nut filled with a slightly bitter and earthly taste.

Not only were my aunt's desserts and baked goods packed with earthy flavor, but essential nutrients as well.

Your antioxidant secret weapon.

Your skin says a lot. Why not take care of it?

Antioxidants are essential for cell development, healthy skin, and immunity. Luckily, walnuts are packed with healthy fats, fiber, vitamins and minerals.

Walnuts are the second most used food for studies investigating antioxidant content.

The brown skin that hugs the outside of this tree nut is packed with antioxidants and bioactive plant compounds.

The brown tree nut is high in antioxidants, ellagitannins, and polyphenols. Polyphenols are plant compounds composed of vitamin E and melatonin. These amazing antioxidants are essential to combat inflammation and oxidative stress.

According to Healthline, walnuts are packed with more antioxidants than any other nut.

Your cardiovascular system will thank you!

Grab a handful of walnuts when you hear this!

Walnuts can prevent cardiovascular diseases and cancers.

Proven clinical studies have shown how adding walnuts to your diet lifestyle can lower bad "LDL" cholesterol levels.

Small studies have shown eating walnuts can improve bad "LDL" cholesterol.

Other studies showed participants who consumed walnuts regularly had lower risks of cardiovascular disease.

According to Web MD, studies show eating walnuts can help lower bad "LDL" cholesterol as well as lower cholesterol.

Two studies have show that five servings of walnuts weekly can reduce the risk of heart disease by up to 50%.

A study conducted by the British Journal of Nutrition showed eating walnuts at least four times a week can reduce the risks of coronary heart disease by almost 40%.

Alpha-linolenic acid and linoleic acids found in walnuts contain anti-inflammatory properties to keep blood vessels healthy.

Brain power is key.

In college, I highly disliked tests, midterms, and finals. Suffering with dyslexia prevented me from remembering formulas, facts, and important terms. I used to study prior to going to sleep assuming I'll remember more, just to find myself reviewing notes in the morning due to my heightened anxiety.

One day, my coworker told me to try walnuts.

Walnuts are known as a brain food.

The vitamin E, folic acid, and ellagic acid found in walnuts can improve neuroprotection, memory function, and brain development.

Walnuts contain phytochemicals, which are high in polyunsaturated fats and can improve health and productivity.

Polyunsaturated fats contain omega-3 and 6 fatty acids, like linoleic acid and alpha-linoleic acid, good for heart health as well as reducing inflammation.

Walnuts are a quick protein pick-me-up.

During the holidays, crushed walnuts are my secret weapon. Whether it's a spinach, cranberry, and walnut salad or as a topping on my traditional casseroles, this versatile tree nut has the texture, taste, and garnish I need to make each dish stand out in its own tasty light.

Add more depth flavor by roasted your walnuts on low high until you can smell a light nutty aroma.

I love using crushed walnuts in my smoothies, vegetables, like spinach and spiced glazed carrots.

Though walnut oil is more on the expansive side based on the nut's quality. I do enjoy using walnut oil in place of rice wine vinegar. The smooth earthy taste allows you to morph and elevate the flavor of any dish you share at the dinner table!

I love to use walnut oil in lightly tossed salads, dressings, and stir frys.

Using walnut oil has its perks. Walnut oil contributes to endotheial functions.

Which ways do you use walnuts in your food dishes?

Let me know below!