The nuts are seeds or nuts very energetic, belong to the group of walnut, its name comes from the Latin nux, Nucis. It is covered by a rough and rigid shell, with a sweet fruit with a very particular flavor inside. It is original from Asia and its cultivation spread to Europe and America. Walnuts have numerous benefits, which can improve health by consuming small servings daily. Among the benefits of consuming nuts are, vitamin E, magnesium, potassium, fibers, B vitamins, phosphorus, iron and zinc.
Nuts concept
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According to the RAE (Royal Spanish Academy) walnuts (scientific name Juglans regia), is “a fruit from walnut. With a unique ovoid drupe and three or four centimeters in diameter, with fine and smooth epicarp of colored green blackish paint, the leathery mesocarp and deciduous and hard endocarp, brownish, rugged and divided into two halves symmetrical, which enclose the seed, devoid of albumen and with two thick, edible and very oleaginous cotyledons ”, so this would be the most specific concept that can be given to this exquisite flavored dried fruit with a large amount of natural oils beneficial to the human body.
Health benefits of walnuts
The body needs protein to progress as it is one of the three most important macronutrients, the other two are carbohydrates and fats. Incorporating walnuts into the daily diet helps the body rebuild tissues and produces a feeling of satisfaction.
Walnuts, due to their high content of Omega 3 fatty acids, provide a great benefit to the body by reducing cholesterol.
Its neuroprotective compounds help to improve the motor and cognitive function of aging, for this reason the consumption of walnuts and their properties are associated to improve the neuronal functioning of the body.
Its high fiber contents fight constipation and regulate intestinal function.
Walnuts are high in phosphorus content, this is important for the human body as a structural element in bones, strong and healthy teeth.
The high content of Vitamin E in walnuts makes it a powerful antioxidant. This vitamin is able to neutralize harmful chemicals and prevent damage to body tissues and red blood cells. In the same way, it helps to have healthy skin and stops the arterial plaque that can cause coronary disease and in the worst case, heart attacks.
Walnuts properties
As noted above, walnuts are a natural resource with many health benefits, so it should be included in the daily diet. One of the resources little known to many people is its ability to regulate the thyroid gland.
The recommended nuts for this function are green ones, they regulate thyroid function and balance the level of selenium in the body.
The hypothyroidism is caused by low levels of selenium and is related to iodine deficiency.
When a person has an inflammation in the thyroid gland, it is recommended to consume between 15 and 30 grams of walnuts daily.
While it is true that walnuts provide the body with an important nutritional contribution, it is also true that certain contraindications must be taken into account:
The fruit should be consumed only when it is ripe, since without maturing they can develop toxic substances that only when ripe transform them and make them edible.
Properties of green walnuts
Although many fruits can be eaten before they are fully ripe or green, nuts should not be eaten green as they have “amygdalin”, a substance that when ingested produces cyanogenic glycoside (cyanide), this disappears when the fruit ripens.
Walnuts should be stored in a good environment, when stored at temperatures between 25 and 30 ° C with little ventilation and low light, they will develop fungi producing mycotoxins, which are waste products that some Aspergillus fungi produce, very harmful to the body. human, among them is aflatoxins that are the most dangerous.
Mycotoxins are very dangerous for both human and animal health, their effects directly damage the immune and nervous system and can lead to liver cancer.
Chocolate is said to be the proper food for the gods, the first experiments in dipping walnuts in chocolate were done in the mid-19th century, a happy combination made by Europeans. Today there is National Chocolate Covered Nut Day, February 28.
Nuts and chocolate are the perfect combination for anyone's palate, these two flavors not only complement each other perfectly, but are considered healthy for the heart.
Hazelnuts are considered an elegant dessert, their combination with chocolate is the essence of great five-star restaurants.
Dark chocolate covered almonds will be the best satisfaction for a connoisseur of chocolate and delicious desserts
Desserts with nuts
- Puff pastry cake with chocolate and walnut ganache, a recipe that is a sin for those who are on a diet, this puff pastry cake is simple and quick to make, for lovers of walnuts and chocolate it is a treat come true and irresistible. With a soft, creamy and crunchy texture, the puff pastry cake is prepared with pastry cream, chocolate fondant, a fresh puff pastry sheet that will serve as the crunchy base of the sweet and other ingredients that can be purchased at any supermarket or distributor of products for cake shop.
- Honey and walnut cookie, an exquisite dessert to accompany a rich cup of coffee for breakfast or as an accompaniment to an exquisite cup of chocolate milk for a cold day. Flour, honey, butter and sugar are one of the eight ingredients that are needed to start cooking this delightful bite in a few minutes. A perfect sweet to share on a special occasion or simply to delight the palate. On the other hand, the freshness of chocolate honey cookies can last for up to a week, since they can be kept in an airtight container or waterproof container.
- The banana and walnut bread or also known in the United States as walnut banana bread, is an exquisite dessert with a soft, fluffy and crunchy texture, thanks to the fresh walnuts that it contains. Savored on holidays or birthdays, this wonderful sweet is obtained after preparing a rich blend of seven ingredients. Also known as banana cake in Spain, it can be eaten for breakfast and as a snack accompanied with jam or a little butter. Likewise, accompanied with Chocolate syrup or icing sugar, delighting the banana bread with walnuts is a unique satisfying experience for any pastry chef or cooking lover who prepares it.
