It is now the season for walnuts to be on the market. We all know that walnuts are a brain-boosting food and are known as the "golden brain". Especially for pregnant women, eating walnuts is beneficial for the development of the baby's brain. So, how many walnuts should be eaten in a day for the most brain-boosting and healthy effects?
The Optimal Number of Walnuts to Eat in a Day for Maximum Health Benefits
Walnuts are a therapeutic food. The phospholipids in walnuts have a good protective effect on the brain and nerves. Walnut oil contains unsaturated fatty acids, which have the effect of preventing and treating arteriosclerosis. Walnuts contain essential trace elements such as zinc, manganese, and chromium. The expectorant and anti-asthmatic effects of walnut kernels are also very significant. In winter, they are highly effective for patients with chronic bronchitis and asthma.
To have an intelligent baby, many expectant mothers consciously eat more walnuts during pregnancy. Some pregnant women eat 10 to 20 walnuts every day, while others can eat half a catty of small walnuts at once. However, because walnuts have a high fat content, eating too much will inevitably cause weight gain due to excessive calorie intake, which will then affect the pregnant woman's normal blood sugar, blood lipids, and blood pressure. Therefore, when consuming walnuts, the following points should be noted:
Precautions when Eating Walnuts
1. Eat in moderation and for a long period of time: The fat contained in walnut kernels is unsaturated fatty acids that are beneficial for removing cholesterol. However, fat itself has a high calorie content. If it is not fully utilized by the body when eaten in excess, it will be stored as cholesterol, resulting in the opposite effect. Generally, the daily intake of walnut kernels should be around 20-40 grams, which is roughly equivalent to 4-5 walnuts. At the same time, other fat intake should be reduced appropriately to avoid excessive calorie intake.
2. Some people like to peel off the brown skin on the surface of walnut kernels, but this will cause a loss of nutrients, so do not peel off this layer of skin.
3. Walnuts are "hot" and have a high oil content. Eating too many can cause internal heat and nausea. People who are experiencing internal heat or diarrhea should not eat them.