Unless you’re allergic to tree nuts, you should include black walnuts in your diet. Experts say that it packs more protein and healthy fats than regular walnuts. In addition, the hull of black walnuts possesses superb antifungal and antiparasitic properties — traditional healers grind it for zapping skin fungal infections and GI tract parasites.
Without further ado, here are some of the most amazing health benefits of black walnuts:
Lower Cholesterol
Consuming black walnuts can help lower bad cholesterol levels by introducing more good cholesterol. What’s more, the impressive fiber content of black walnuts also help sweep out some of the bad cholesterol in the food you eat.
Normalized Blood Pressure
Since black walnuts can put bad cholesterol in check, it can prevent your blood pressure from reaching sky high. The anti-inflammatory properties of black walnuts also promote healthier blood vessels. Keeping your blood vessels in an excellent condition is important for keeping your blood pressure normal, say the experts.
Reduced Heart Disease Risk
Both high cholesterol and high blood pressure can increase your risk of heart disease. You can stave off the deadly disease from striking by lowering your cholesterol and regulating your blood pressure with the help of black walnuts. Of course it’s also important to opt for a healthy diet, have regular exercise, and keep stress to a minimum!
Protection From Cancer
A study had shown that juglone, an aromatic compound in black walnuts, could fight off colorectal cancer cells. This does not come as a shock — for many years now, traditional healers use black walnut in treating all sorts of cancer.
Fungal Infection Treatment
One of the most popular medicinal uses of black walnuts is treatment of fungal infections of the skin and nails. The hull of black walnuts are commonly ground and applied topically. Similarly, the ground hull is said to be effective in treating dandruff, in particular the kind that is due to a fungal infection of the scalp.
Beautiful Skin
Tannins are present in abundant amounts in the hull of black walnuts, and that’s why applying the extract on the face is especially beneficial for those with oily skin and large pores because the tannins have astringent properties.
Reduced Sweating
You may also take advantage of the astringent properties of black walnut if you tend to sweat heavily. Its topical application can help control sweat glands that are overly active.
Expels GI Tract Parasites
Jugone is not only good for fighting off cancer cells, but also parasitic worms. It’s exactly for this reason why traditional healers have been using black walnuts in getting rid of worms in the intestines. The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia said that black walnuts make for an ideal part of any parasitic cleansing method.
Improved Digestion
The consumption of black walnuts is said to help promote better digestion, thanks to their loads of dietary fiber. What’s more, black walnuts are also known to soothe inflamed lining of the intestines. By the way, traditional healers also employ black walnuts in dealing with both constipation and diarrhea.
Soothes a Sore Throat
Many people can attest to the effectiveness of gargling with black walnut extract that’s diluted with water. That’s because black walnut is capable of reducing inflammation as well as getting rid of bacteria.
Cures Warts and Cold Sores
Black walnut extract also possesses superb antiviral properties. It’s exactly for this reason why it is a proven effective treatment for the likes of warts and cold sores.
A Stronger Immune System
Because they are rich in antioxidants, not to mention that they are capable of zapping parasites and bacteria, including black walnuts in your diet can help make your immune system strong. As a result, you can become more protected against infections and diseases brought about by microbes that invade your body.