National Walnut Day 2022: History And 5 Proven Health Benefits Of The Dry Fruit

Of all the food items that bring us good health, dry fruits hold special importance because they provide the body with almost all sorts of nutrients that are crucial to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

There is a range of options, however, when it comes to beneficial dry fruits including cashews, pistachios, and almonds, but, experts put special emphasis on walnuts because they are one of the superfoods that are linked to reducing the risk of many life-threatening ailments.

Not only do walnuts resemble a human brain, but they are also said to benefit its functioning in multiple ways. Being rich in fiber, vitamins and antioxidants, walnuts effectively improve memory and boost cognitive abilities. In addition to that, being a good source of Omega 3 fatty acids, protein and dietary fibers, the dry fruit compensates for all the nutritional lapses in the body.

National Walnut Day, which is observed on May 17, is meant to create more awareness about the powerhouse of health. Walnuts are, in fact, a favorite among the health watchers because they can be consumed in many ways such as adding to the breakfast cereals, sprinkling them on salads or cooked veggies, and putting them in muffins, cookies, or other baked confections.

The history of National Walnut Day:

The day has an interesting history behind its first proclamation. Considering the goodness of walnuts, the day was officially recognized in 1958 by a senate resolution signed into law by then-President Eisenhower.

National Walnut Day was first proposed by the Walnut Marketing Board in June 1949 to promote the consumption of walnuts and it officially came into being on May 17, 1958, following President D. Eisenhower's approval.

5 proven health benefits of eating walnuts every day:

• Prevent diabetes- The dry fruit works to control the blood glucose levels and increase insulin production, which, in turn, keeps diabetes at bay.
• Prevent hair loss- For those suffering from diseases like alopecia, walnuts prove to be highly beneficial. Rich in biotin, walnuts prevent hair loss, improve hair texture and strengthen it.
• Delay aging- Eating walnuts can help delay the signs of premature aging as the dry fruit is antioxidant-rich.
• Ensure healthy pregnancy- Eating walnuts during pregnancy days helps prevent nausea as well as ensures better brain development of the fetus.
• Aid in weight loss- Eating walnuts make you feel full for longer and therefore the urge to eat other calorie-laden foods is reduced substantially.