linoleic acid Archives - Amazing Health Advances

Walnut Oil Benefits for the Heart, Skin, Gut & More

AHA Publisher — Wed, 16 Mar 2022 07:00:02 +0000

Jillian Levy, CHHC via Dr. Axe – Walnuts, which are full of omega-6 and healthy omega-3 polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs), are not just a nutritious nut to snack on— they’re also used to make a healthy cooking oil. Although walnut oil tends to be a bit pricier than other nut/seed oils, it’s a good addition to your diet in small amounts, especially as a “finishing oil” that’s drizzled over dishes like veggies, rices and pastas. What is walnut oil good for? Due to its supply of PUFAs, walnut oil benefits include supporting cardiovascular, skin and metabolic health. Nutrition Walnuts are edible seeds of the tree species Juglans regia. The walnut tree is native to Europe and Asia and today is widely cultivated for the sweet nuts that it produces. Walnuts are full of heart-healthy fatty acids as well as other nutrients, such as copper, folate and vitamin E. The fats within walnuts can be extracted to make walnut oil, which is mostly used like a condiment and as a finishing oil, drizzled on foods served at room temperature or those that are slightly warmed. Walnut oil is light brown in color and has a naturally slightly sweet and nutty taste, so it pairs well with foods like cheese, herbs and mushrooms. Nutrition Content: Walnuts are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, including omega-3s, which are known to have inflammation-fighting effects. You’ll find high amounts of the omega-3 called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) within walnut oil, as well as the omega-6 called linoleic acid. Although ALA isn’t as potent as other omega-3s (DHA and EPA, the types found in oily fish), it’s still known to have anti-inflammatory properties. In addition to containing healthy fats, walnut oil supplies you with antioxidants, including ellagitannins and other polyphenols. (Note that black walnuts are even higher in antioxidants than “common walnuts,” however it’s rare to find walnut oil made from this species of walnuts.) One tablespoon of walnut oil contains about: 120 calories 13 grams total fat (9 grams polyunsaturated, 3 grams monounsaturated, and 1 gram saturated fat) 0 grams protein, carbs or sugar 24 milligrams phytosterols 2 micgrograms vitamin K (2% DV) Is walnut oil better than olive oil? Walnut oil has a low smoke point, even lower than olive oil. This means that its chemical composition is altered if it’s heated too much, which results in a rancid oil that loses many of its nutrition benefits. Both olive oil and walnut oil are healthy sources of unsaturated fats, however they have different tastes. Thus, they both are good for their own reasons. Olive oil is also less expensive and more versatile, which is why it’s more popular. Extra virgin and virgin olive oils shouldn’t be heated to very high temps either, but virgin olive oil can be cooked with more so than walnut oil. Use olive oil when sautéing veggies, pan-frying briefly or making salad dressings. Use walnut oil instead as a garnish/condiment, such as by adding some to dressings and marinades or cooked dishes. Walnut Oil Benefits 1. Supports Cardiovascular Health PUFAs found in walnut oil have been shown to help to keep the heart and blood vessels healthy by protecting against chronic inflammation and issues like high blood pressure, high triglycerides and high blood cholesterol. According to one study, the cardioprotective effects of this oil may be due to their polyphenols, tocopherol, ALA, linoleic acid and l-arginine content. Consuming walnut oil in place of less healthy oils and fats, such as margarine or refined vegetable oils, may be one way to lower your risk for conditions related to chronic inflammation, including heart disease. 2. Provides Polyphenol Antioxidants Walnuts are rich in polyphenols called ellagitannins, which help fight oxidative stress and free radical damage. Studies have also demonstrated that walnut oil may have anticancer effects, especially against prostate, breast and colorectal cancers. This is due to compounds called urolithins, which are derived from ellagitannins, that can protect cells against damage. Additionally, walnut oil has been found to support cognitive health with its supply of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. 3. Supports Healthy Skin Walnut oil benefits skin health by supplying fatty acids that help moisturize and protect the outer layers of the skin. By adding this oil to your diet you can help provide your skin with valuable nutrients that fight inflammatory skin disorders, cellular damage and dryness, while assisting in wound healing. 4. Promotes Metabolic Health Nut and seed-derived oils are thought to offer protection against metabolic syndrome and risk for type 2 diabetes thanks to their ability to counteract oxidative stress and inflammation. Some research suggests that walnut oil can help lower blood glucose (sugar) levels and hemoglobin A1c levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Taking 15 grams (one tablespoon) of walnut oil daily for three months helped significantly lower fasting blood sugar and hemoglobin A1c levels among diabetics in one 2016 study (although it didn’t change the participants’ blood pressure or body weight). How to Use And Buy When buying walnut oil, your best bet is to spend a bit more money on quality oil that is made from entirely dried and cold-pressed or expeller-pressed walnuts. This type is superior to oil infusions made with a combination of walnut oil and cheaper vegetable oils. Look for 100% pure walnut oil sourced from France (such as Burgundy or Perigord) or California, ideally that’s cold-pressed if you’re willing to spend a bit more. Expeller-pressed oil is a good alternative if cold-pressed isn’t available. You’ll find this oil in gourmet shops and speciality stores or in large supermarkets where other nut-based oils are found. A bottle will stay fresh for about six to 12 months once opened. Keep it somewhere cool and dark to extend its shelf life. How do you use walnut oil? Because of its low smoke point, don’t use walnut oil as a cooking oil since it can overheat and turn rancid easily. Instead, think of it as a garnish that can be added to cooled or already cooked foods. Walnut oil has a unique, slightly sweet, nutty taste that is similar to walnuts (no surprise there). It pairs well with: pasta noodles aged cheeses vegetables like squash and dark leafy greens mushrooms herbs vinegars fish fresh breads Here’s more about some common walnut oil uses: Add a bit to salad dressing to give salads a nutty taste. Try a drizzle on pasta dishes or pizza. Spoon some over wild rice or other grain dishes. Add a bit to roasted fish or other lean proteins. What can you substitute for walnut oil? If a recipe calls for walnut oil but you don’t have any on hand, try other similar nut oils as a substitute, such as almond oil, hazelnut oil or extra virgin olive oils. Can you apply walnut oil on your face? Yes, walnut oil can be applied to skin to help with hydration and fighting free radical damage that can cause signs of aging. Some people apply walnut oil to their faces to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, however the drawback is that it’s an expensive oil to use a lot of. Other, less expensive facial oils can work similarly to hydrate and protect skin, such as olive oil, almond oil and argan oil. Risks and Side Effects The biggest drawback to using walnut oil is that it can be overheated, which changes both the taste and the nutrition content. When cooking with walnut oil, be sure to keep the heat low or avoid cooking with it at all. Since it’s very high in omega-6 fats and most people already consume plenty of these fats from other foods, use walnut oil sparingly, such as by having about one tablespoon daily. Don’t consume walnut oil if you’re allergic to walnuts or related nuts, such as almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, pecans and pistachios. Conclusion Walnut oil benefits include supplying lots of PUFAs, which are heart-healthy fats. This oil can help promote cardiovascular health and defend against oxidative stress, inflammation, diabetes and high cholesterol. For the best quality, opt for unrefined, cold-pressed oil made from 100 percent walnuts. It will have a light brown color and sweet, nutty taste. Because it has a low smoke point, use it on cool and room temperature foods. Don’t cook with it at high heats to retain its healthy fats. To read the original article click here.

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Easy Gluten-Free Meatballs Recipe

AHA Publisher — Wed, 17 Feb 2021 08:00:10 +0000

Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DMN, CNS – Let’s talk about meatballs. What is it about these little nibbles take a meal to the next level? Of course, when you buy them at the store or order them off a menu, it’s always a gamble; you’re never quite sure what’s in those. Luckily, this is one of the simplest things to make at home! These Easy Gluten-Free Meatballs are fantastic. They’re made with grass-fed beef, which is loaded with immune-boosting conjugated linoleic acid. These also fit well into a Paleo or even keto diet. Best of all, these meatballs keep their shape even without breading. Gluten-free eaters, rejoice! Ready to whip up a batch of these easy meatballs? Let’s get started! We’ll kick things off by placing all our ingredients, minus the oil, in a large bowl. Mix ’em all up and then form them into 1 to 1–1/2 inch meatballs. This is a great activity to let the kids help out with! Next, heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add in the meatballs. Be careful not to overcrowd them! Brown these easy gluten-free meatballs on all sides, then let them cool on paper towels before serving. How fast was that? These easy gluten-free meatballs are super versatile. Serve them in a sandwich, add them to gluten-free pasta and homemade pasta sauce or gobble them up with mashed faux-tatoes. They’re also awesome on game day as a quick snack. I love making a double batch of these and freezing the extras. They thaw quickly, making dinnertime a snap! Easy Gluten-Free Meatballs Recipe DESCRIPTION These Easy Gluten-Free Meatballs are fantastic. They’re made with grass-fed beef, which is loaded with immune-boosting conjugated linoleic acid. INGREDIENTS 1 pound ground grass-fed beef 2 eggs, whisked one 10-ounce package frozen spinach, thawed and drained ¼ cup finely grated raw sheep’s milk cheese, such as Pecorino or Zamorano ¼ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper 1 tablespoon coconut oil INSTRUCTIONS Place all of the ingredients except the oil in a bowl. Mix ingredients together and form into 1 to 1–1/2-inch meatballs. Heat oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs well on all sides in the skillet and place on paper towels to cool briefly before serving. To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Axe click here.

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Ready to Fight Heart Disease? Boost Your Heart Health with These Tiny Seeds

AHA Publisher — Fri, 05 Feb 2021 08:00:16 +0000

Karen Sanders via NaturalHealth365 – In spite of scientific advances, heart disease is still the leading cause of death for Americans. Yet, experts tell us, many cases of cardiovascular disease are preventable, with simple lifestyle changes – such as a clean diet – to help improve our heart health. Do you crave “junky” foods? The seeds of a cheerful, hardy summer flower – scientifically known as Helianthus annuus – offer a tasty alternative to junk foods such as potato chips and cookies, and can help you redirect your cravings towards healthier fare. Sunflower seeds – with their crunchy, pleasing texture and mildly sweet, buttery taste – are virtually perfect snack food. They are not only packed with essential micronutrients and antioxidants but are also rich in natural plant oils that work together to ward off heart disease. Editor’s note: Heart disease now kills 31% of all people worldwide … and the root causes are NOT what you think! Click here to discover the truth inside the Cardiovascular Docu-Class, hosted by Jonathan Landsman, creator of NaturalHealth365. Science-Backed Compounds Provide POWERFUL Heart Health Benefits In addition to polyunsaturated linoleic acid, sunflower seeds contain oleic acid – an extremely beneficial monounsaturated acid that is also found in such heart-healthy treats as olives and avocados. Oleic acid helps to lower harmful LDL cholesterol while raising amounts of desirable HDL cholesterol. In addition, animal studies have shown that a diet high in oleic acid can help reverse the negative effects of inflammatory cytokines. As inflammation triggers many serious health conditions – including heart disease and cancer – this bodes well for sunflower seeds’ ability to promote coronary health. Can oleic acid prevent heart disease? The simple answer is yes. In a study published in 2004 in Nutrition, omega-3 polyunsaturated acids, including oleic acid, decreased the risk of cardiovascular disease. Oleic acid also lowered unhealthy LDL cholesterol and decreased concentrations of vascular cell adhesion molecules, making cells less ‘sticky’ – and reducing the risk of atherosclerosis, strokes, blood clots, and heart disease. But Wait, There Is Even More Good News! Sunflower seeds are rich in amino acids, organic compounds essential to the production of protein. In addition to their role as “building blocks” of protein, amino acids can help to prevent the buildup of body fat and boost the immune system; they can also boost heart health in a variety of ways. A mere quarter of a cup – about 35 grams – of sunflower seeds contains an impressive .70 grams of arginine – which can increase the elasticity of arteries while decreasing vascular resistance. By helping to keep blood vessels dilated, arginine enhances blood flow, helping to prevent the development of coronary artery disease. Sunflower seeds also offer healthy amounts of tryptophan. Many people know that tryptophan can promote restful sleep and reduce anxiety and mood swings; not as well known is the fact that tryptophan is a potent antioxidant that can scavenge harmful free radicals in the body. Glutamic acid, also found in sunflower seeds, benefits the cardiovascular system as well. In a 2009 study published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association, researchers found that this amino acid can significantly lower blood pressure. A Quarter Cup of Sunflower Seeds Improves Your Health in More Ways Than You Can Imagine The same quarter-cup serving of sunflower seeds contains over 80 percent of the adult daily value of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory vitamin E – which helps protect against the oxidation of cholesterol, a major factor in heart disease. Sunflower seeds are also high in selenium, a terrific antioxidant – especially when taken in conjunction with vitamin E. Sunflower seeds also contain healthy levels of magnesium – which helps to regulate blood pressure, and niacin – which boosts levels of desirable high-density lipoproteins. With 204 calories to a quarter-cup, sunflower seeds are not a low-cal food. However, one serving offers the same amount of protein as an 8-oz. container of yogurt; sunflower seeds’ exemplary amounts of vitamins, minerals, micronutrients, and protein make them a very good caloric investment. In addition, they are naturally high in heart-healthy dietary fiber – which leads to a feeling of satiety and can help prevent overeating. Here Are Some of Our Favorite Ways to Enjoy Sunflower Seeds It doesn’t much matter if you buy your sunflower seeds shelled or unshelled; the important thing is that they are organic. Unshelled sunflower seeds should feel crisp and firm; avoid any that appear limp, soggy, or withered. Shelled sunflower seeds should be grayish-white, and have a fresh, clean fragrance; if they are visibly yellowed, this could mean that they are rancid. Unshelled seeds may be stored at room temperature in an airtight container, while shelled seeds should be refrigerated. You can use these versatile seeds to add flavor and texture to rice, pasta, tabouleh, or casserole dishes. Sprinkle them over green salads, stir them into oatmeal, or use them to enliven chicken salad. Highly portable and convenient to eat, sunflower seeds are perfect for quick energy on the hiking trail, or for an afternoon pick-me-up at your desk. With almost every constituent working together to ward off coronary disease, it is almost as if sunflower seeds have been divinely engineered towards the goal of protecting your heart. All you have to do is nibble away and enjoy. Sources for this article include: AHA.Journals.org NIH.gov CDC.gov To read the original article click here. For more articles from NaturalHealth365 click here.

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