Are you wondering how walnuts for weight loss really work to help you slim down? It’s all revealed here, so keep reading…
We’ve heard that walnuts are great for our brains (look at that shape!) But walnuts are also a great food to support your weight loss goals. Here’s how it works!
Walnuts Have the Good Kind of Fat!
As we slowly wake up from the murky depths of the fat-phobic ‘80s and ‘90s, we’re taking a deeper look at how different types of fats affect our bodies differently.
As a shining example, we need plenty of Omega-3 fatty acids in our diet to keep our cell membranes healthy, keep our hearts beating strong, and reduce inflammation through the whole body.
As anyone on a weight loss journey knows, Omega-3 fats are an essential part of success. The humble walnut has OVER 100% of the recommended amount of Omega-3 fats in a ¼ cup serving.
These Omega-3s are one of the key ingredients in proper cell signaling and energy balance. “Key” is the operative term here.
This is because they also interact with our genetic structure, limiting the function of the fat storing genes while boosting our ability to naturally burn fat for energy.
What Else is in Walnuts?
Walnuts, aside from being high in good fats, are rich in protein. This means they’re great if you’re aiming to build muscle and burn off body fat.
What walnuts don’t have much of is carbohydrates, which they are very low in. If you’re following a low carb diet, walnuts are a nearly essential addition to your plan.
Copper, folic acid, and vitamin E are all important nutrients for support in a weight loss plan, and they are in walnuts in high quantities.
It’s also got magnesium, which is an essential electrolyte. Magnesium helps with getting good sleep as well as allowing muscles to fully relax, both of which are needed to lose weight in a healthy way.
When it comes to fiber, walnuts are high on the list. In one serving, you get over 30% of your daily requirement.
This way, walnuts will aid digestion, and keep your bathroom habits more regular.
Their fiber content also means that you’ll have a more satisfied feeling after you eat them, leading to an overall decrease in calories consumed.
Don’t Overdo it!
It’s easy to eat handful after handful of walnuts. They’re delicious and convenient to snack on, they don’t need refrigeration, and they pack well for travel.
While they are a nutritious addition to your weight loss plan, you don’t want to go overboard.
Walnuts are on the calorie-dense side of things. So, as with all foods, too much will add weight instead of helping you take it off.
Another thing to be aware of is that walnuts, like all seeds, have a high amount of phytic acid.
Phytic acid, in large amounts, can block mineral absorption, as well as cause digestive upset. Keep yourself to one handful, or maybe two, per day.
A special note. If you have tree nut allergies, walnuts are not for you. Since walnuts are a tree nut, these will cause a reaction in sensitive individuals.
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