The Versatile Benefits of Walnut for the Skin, Brain, Heart & More

by Madeline Kim on Sep 27, 2022

More than just a nutty, satiating snack, walnuts are impressive nutritional powerhouses. Ridged and rounded like a brain, walnuts are well known for their ability to boost brain function. But did you know that walnuts can help boost mood, brighten the skin and even alleviate PCOS symptoms?

Packed with vitamins, Omega-3 fatty acids, carotenoids and minerals like calcium, potassium and zinc, walnuts are an extremely versatile wonder food for both the mind and body. In Ayurveda, walnuts are considered warm, oily, stimulating and astringent, making them especially pacifying for Kapha.

Below are some of the many benefits of this nutrient-packed superfood.

Benefits of Walnut

They improve brain health

Perhaps the most well-known benefit of walnut is its ability to boost brain health. As research has demonstrated, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of walnut enable it to maintain healthy cognitive function and to help combat the onset of dementia, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, depression and more. Regular and early consumption of walnut can help the brain remain youthful, active and strong.

They alleviate diabetes

As the study cited above has also demonstrated, walnuts have been shown to slow the progression and decrease the risks of type 2 diabetes. That’s because the monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats found in walnuts help it to regulate insulin levels.

They mitigate PCOS symptoms

Two major symptoms of PCOS are weight gain and insulin resistance, and walnut has been shown to help remedy both. Walnuts help regulate weight, combat insulin resistance and balance androgen and free testosterone levels in the body.

They boost mood

One study has indicated that walnuts may boost mood, particularly in healthy young men. The Omega-3 fatty acids in walnuts may play a role in this mood regulation, helping to alleviate feelings of stress, anxiety and jitteriness.

They brighten & tone the skin

In addition to their many health benefits, walnuts make a potent natural exfoliator due to their texture and vitamin content. Thanks to their antioxidant properties, they also naturally combat wrinkles and hyperpigmentation, naturally toning and brightening the skin for a radiant, smooth complexion. These exfoliating, brightening benefits are why we include walnut in products like our UMA Absolute Anti Aging Body Scrub and UMA Ultimate Brightening Rose Powder Cleanser.

They boost heart health

Thanks to their Omega-3 fatty acids and other monounsaturated fatty acids, walnuts can also help strengthen heart health. As research has demonstrated, walnuts lower bad cholesterol and boost good cholesterol levels, improving the blood lipid profile without leading to weight gain or elevated blood pressure levels.

As you can see, the benefits of walnuts are wide-ranging and powerful. Even eating a handful of walnuts every day can make a big difference in improving one’s overall complexion and health!

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