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Lower CholesterolOmega 3’s and Walnuts

Cracked walnut shell with the nut inside forming a heart shape

Sometimes people wonder about the health benefits of the black walnut versus the more common English walnut, so I’m going to provide you some quick info.

The English walnut contains more omega 3 fatty acids per ounce than the black walnut (2.6 grams versus .57 grams). To promote heart health, increasing your omega 3 fatty acid intake is a good step to take, so opt for the English walnut (which is easier to find anyway).

Another component to keep in mind

The type of omega 3 fatty acid contained in walnuts is ALA (alpha linolenic acid). The conversion of ALA to EPA and DHA (the two types of omega 3 fatty acids linked to health benefits) is inefficient.

All the best,
Lisa Nelson, RD

Image courtesy of Aleksa D / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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