Walnuts are a great thing, rich in nutrients and excellent for brain health. Eating a moderate amount of walnuts every day can meet the body's nutritional needs, especially for children, eating walnuts can help brain development. However, we know that it is important to eat anything in moderation and pay attention to the timing of consumption. Overeating or eating at the wrong time is not beneficial to our health. So, is it good to eat walnuts at night?
Is it good to eat walnuts at night?
The human body contains a hormone called melatonin, which regulates sleep patterns. During the day, our brain secretes a small amount of this hormone, but it secretes more at night. The increase of melatonin at night is crucial for good sleep. As we age, many people's ability to secrete melatonin at night weakens, leading to sleep problems. Walnuts contain a considerable amount of melatonin, so eating a moderate amount of walnuts at night can help replenish the melatonin deficiency in the body and improve sleep quality.
Nutritional composition of walnuts
Walnuts contain a large amount of carbohydrates, protein, fat, as well as carotene, vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin E, and minerals such as phosphorus, iron, and magnesium. Every 100 grams of walnuts contain 15.4 grams of protein, 63 grams of fat, 10.7 grams of carbohydrates, 108 mg of calcium, 329 mg of phosphorus, 3.2 mg of iron, 0.32 mg of thiamine, 0.11 mg of riboflavin, and 1.0 mg of niacin. They provide twice as much energy as rice or white flour and are known as a "nutritional treasure trove."
Nutritional benefits of walnuts
Vitamin B in walnuts can help regenerate damaged hearts. Folic acid contributes to myocardial metabolism. Phospholipids are the main components of cell structure and can enhance cell vitality, promote blood formation, and help wound healing. Walnuts also contain a considerable amount of dietary fiber, which can promote gastrointestinal peristalsis, aid digestion and bowel movements, and prevent constipation.
Benefits of eating walnuts regularly
Brain-boosting
The unique chemical structure of protein and fat in walnuts makes them easily absorbed by the body. The protein contains an essential amino acid called lysine, and the phospholipids in the fat-rich walnuts support the complex and delicate operation of the brain. Zinc and manganese are key components of the body's endocrine glands (such as the pituitary, pancreas, and sex glands). Regular consumption of walnuts can effectively delay brain aging and promote brain health.
Cholesterol-lowering
Walnuts are rich in vitamins, which help prevent cellular aging, enhance memory, and delay aging. In addition, walnuts contain various unsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, which can help reduce cholesterol absorption. They are suitable for people with arteriosclerosis, hypertension, and coronary heart disease.
Supplementing trace elements
Walnut kernels contain essential trace elements such as zinc, manganese, and chromium. As the body ages, the content of zinc and manganese decreases. Chromium has the function of promoting glucose utilization, cholesterol metabolism, and protecting the cardiovascular system.
Hair and skin care
Walnuts contain linoleic acid, calcium, phosphorus, iron, and other mineral elements, which are beneficial for hair and skin care. The abundant unsaturated fatty acids in walnuts, as well as the large amount of protein, vitamins, phosphorus, iron, and other elements, are essential nutrients for healthy skin. They help promote skin metabolism, enhance skin elasticity, prevent dryness, and wrinkles. Regular consumption of walnuts can also help prevent premature graying and hair loss.
How not to eat walnuts
Avoid drinking alcohol while eating walnuts
Walnuts have a warming nature and excessive consumption can lead to phlegm and internal heat. White wine is also considered to have a warming effect. Consuming both together can easily lead to blood heat. This is especially important for people with bronchial dilation and pulmonary tuberculosis, as combining alcohol and walnuts can cause hemoptysis and should be avoided.
Do not eat walnuts in excess
Although the fat in walnuts is helpful in removing unsaturated fatty acids from cholesterol, the fat itself has a high calorie content. If not fully utilized, it can be stored as cholesterol in the body, which is not good for our health. Generally, eating about 40 grams of walnuts per day is enough. When eating walnuts, it is also important to reduce the intake of other fats to avoid excessive calorie intake and obesity.
