Walnut

The oldest tree food known to man

Walnuts are the oldest tree food known to man, dating back to 7000 B.C. The Romans called walnuts Juglans regia, “Jupiter’s royal acorn. Early history indicates that English walnuts came from ancient Persia (called “Persian Walnuts”), where they were reserved for royalty. As English merchant marines transported the product to be traded to ports around the world, they became known as “English Walnuts.” Today, the Central Valley of California is the prime walnut growing region.

Fats

The fat contained in walnuts is composed mainly of polyunsaturated fat (linoleic fat), which are fatty acids that help regulate colesterol levels. Consequently, it is recommended for people with an increased level of colesterol, to consume a handful of unsalted walnuts daily, in this way making sure to take in the necessary amount of unsaturated fat.

Minerals and vitamins

Walnuts are rich source of energy and contain health benefiting nutrients, minerals, antioxidants and vitamins that are essential for optimum health. Indeed, there are an excellent source of magnesium, a mineral little represented in our alimentation. Beyond this, nuts provide potassium, manganese, copper, calcium, iron,  zinc, and selenium, phosphorus,  vitamin B6, vitamin E, folic acid and thiamine, and moreover fibres.