WALNUTS 1. Rich in Antioxidants Share on Pinterest Walnuts have higher antioxidant activity than any other common nut ( 1 , 2 ). This activity comes from vitamin E, melatonin and plant compounds called polyphenols, which are particularly high in the papery skin of walnuts ( 2 , 3 , 4 ). A preliminary, small study in healthy adults showed that eating a walnut-rich meal prevented oxidative damage of “bad” LDL cholesterol after eating, whereas a refined-fat meal didn’t ( 3 ). That’s beneficial because oxidized LDL is prone to build up in your arteries, causing atherosclerosis ( 3 , 5 ). SUMMARY Walnuts are an excellent source of antioxidants that can help fight oxidative damage in your body, including damage due to “bad” LDL cholesterol, which promotes atherosclerosis. 2. Super Plant Source of Omega-3s Walnuts are significantly higher in omega-3 fat than any other nut, providing 2.5 grams per 1-ounce (28-gram) serving ( 6 , 7 ). Omega-3
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