Walnuts

There is no dispute that nuts are considered a healthy additive to the human diet when consumed in the right quantities. However, walnuts can make an exclusive claim regarding dietary health. Walnuts are the only nuts that can meet dietary recommendations for omega-3 fatty acids with just one ounce.
Omega 3 fatty acids have been linked to reduced risks for heart disease. Fish contains omega 3 fatty acids however, many people find it difficult to consume the recommended 3 servings of fish in a week and they may find it easier to consume a handful of walnuts each day.

Walnuts are readily available year round in most grocery stores. They grow on walnut trees, are harvested in a shell that needs to be cracked to retrieve the nut. Walnuts can be purchased in most grocery baking isles and are packaged already chopped and ready for use in baking or cooking. They can also be bought in bulk by the pound while still in the shell. You will need a nutcracker to crack open the shell of walnuts.

You can use walnuts in a variety of recipes or as add-ins to your favorite salads or yogurt flavors. Cookies, cakes, and other desserts often call for chopped walnuts, but there are also tasty vegetable and pasta side dishes that call for walnuts. Toss an ounce or two of walnuts into your next batch of brownie or chocolate chip cookie batter or you can visit www. walnuts.org for appetizer, salad, dessert and main dish recipes using walnuts.

Walnut trees grow in a variety of zones and many species are native to North America. While walnuts provide some health benefit to humans, the oils produced by the shells of the walnut are toxic to fish. Walnuts produce dark, richly colored oil and hence are the source of the popular walnut stain on many wood furnishings, cabinetry and flooring.