Short answer
Walnuts are incredibly good for you. Just one handful a day can provide endless health benefits.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
The next time you need a quick and easy snack that will both curb your hunger and boost your health, look no further than a serving of walnuts. Not only are they packed with protein and “good fats” like omega-3 fatty acids, but they are also a perfect workout food as they will provide the energy you need without weighing you down.
If that isn't good enough, walnuts contain antioxidants like polyphenols and Vitamin E that can help prevent heart disease and certain cancers, such as prostate and breast. Chronic inflammation creates an excellent environment in the body for these types of diseases to form, and the good fats and antioxidants found in walnuts can help decrease this inflammation. It is especially important to take preventive measures - such as altering your diet - if you are at high risk for developing these illnesses, and what could be easier than incorporating a handful of walnuts each day?
Walnuts can probably be considered a superfood, but that’s not the end of the “pros” list for this nut. Despite their seemingly high fat content (18 grams per ounce), they can help lower both weight and cholesterol alike. This is because those 18 grams are made up of unsaturated, heart-healthy fats. It is important to remember that not all fats are bad. In fact, the body needs these good fats to carry out many bodily functions.
Possible short-term side effects
- weight gain
-
allergic reaction
-
loosened stools
Benefits
- boosts energy / satiety
-
fights inflammation
-
decreases risk of cancer
-
decreases risk of heart disease
-
decreases risk of diabetes
-
decreases cholesterol
-
promotes weight loss
-
promotes brain health
-
improves male fertility
Please turn your Ad Blocker off to see this content. Thank you!
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Lindsay
Published on: 12-29-2015
Last updated: 12-10-2016
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Lindsay
Published on: 12-29-2015
Last updated: 12-10-2016
Approved by 
