Consuming walnuts may curb depression: Study

California: Eating walnuts may lower the occurrence and frequency of depression, and improve concentration levels, according to a study carried out in American adults.

Researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) found that depression scores were 26% lower for walnut consumers and 8% lower for consumers of other nuts, compared to those who did not eat nuts at all.

The study, published in the Nutrients, found that walnut consumption was more closely associated with higher energy levels and better concentration, compared to other nuts.

Walnuts provide healthy fats, fiber, vitamins and minerals — and that’s just the beginning of how they may support your health.

Researchers examined data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

There’s so much interest in this one nut that for the past 50 years, scientists and industry experts have gathered annually at the University of California, Davis, for a walnut conference discussing the latest walnut health research.

Other benefits of walnut-

Walnuts have higher antioxidant activity than any other common nut .

This activity comes from vitamin E, melatonin and plant compounds called polyphenols, which are particularly high in the papery skin of walnuts .

Walnuts are an excellent source of antioxidants that can help fight oxidative damage in your body, including damage due to “bad” LDL cholesterol, which promotes atherosclerosis.

They are high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids. They are also a good source of protein.

Walnuts have a reputation for being a high-calorie and high-fat food. However, they are dense in nutrients and provide heart-healthy fats.

The combination of healthy fats, protein, and fiber in walnuts helps to increase satisfaction and fullness. This makes them more healthful as a snack, compared with chips, crackers, and other simple carbohydrate foods.

If you want to lead a healthy and stress-free life, then walnut is a must for you.