Walnuts FAQs

Are walnuts genetically modified?

California-grown walnuts are not genetically modified.

The California walnut industry understands consumer concerns regarding genetically modified foods. Therefore, we work closely with the University of California’s walnut breeding program to release new walnut varieties for planting that have been developed through conventional breeding methods. The California Walnut Board does not anticipate production of genetically modified walnuts in California in the foreseeable future.

Can walnuts be eaten when monitoring weight?

Research has suggested that health benefits from eating walnuts do not come at the expense of weight gain¹. However, large and longer-term studies are needed to address the effects of walnut consumption on CVD risk and body weight. Portion control is also important when monitoring weight. The recommended portion size for walnuts is 1 ounce, or 1/4 cup. Check our Wellness Weight page for published research, recipe ideas, and more.

¹Banel DK, Hu FB. Effects of walnut consumption on blood lipids and other cardiovascular risk factors: a meta-analysis and systematic review. Am J Clin Nutr. 2009;90(1):56-63. doi: 10.3945/​ajcn.2009.27457.

What is the DASH Diet and does it include walnuts?

The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension diet–known at the DASH diet–is an eating program that was developed through research sponsored by the U.S. National Institute of Health (NIH) that is aimed at reducing blood pressure and cholesterol. It includes eating fruits and vegetables, low-fat or non-fat dairy, nuts (including walnuts), and whole grains. It includes high fiber and low to moderate fat, and is rich in potassium, calcium and magnesium. Recent DASH studies have shown benefits of lowering sodium intake on blood pressure. Not only have studies shown that eating walnuts is associated with improved blood pressure and cholesterol levels, walnuts are naturally sodium-free and thus are a perfect food for those following the DASH diet guidelines.

What exactly is the Mediterranean Diet?

The Mediterranean Diet is actually comprised of many diet patterns that hail from various countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. According to the American Heart Association, the common Mediterranean dietary pattern has these characteristics:

• High consumption of fruits, vegetables, bread and other cereals, potatoes, beans, nuts and seeds.

• Olive oil is an important monounsaturated fat source.

• Dairy products, fish and poultry are consumed in low to moderate amounts, and little red meat is eaten.

• Eggs are consumed up to four times a week.

• Wine is consumed in low to moderate amounts—up to one five-ounce glass of wine per day for women and up to two five-ounce glasses for men.

• Walnuts are a traditional component in this dietary pattern. Research has suggested that this is a heart-healthy pattern of eating.

• PREDIMED is a landmark Spanish study that has been investigating specific benefits of this eating style. Preliminary published findings have found that consuming Mediterranean ingredients, including walnuts, is linked to heart health benefits including lowering LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and inflammatory markers.

Where do walnuts fit into the 2015 USDA Dietary Guidelines?

The 2015 Dietary Guidelines encourage a shift from current eating patterns to a healthy eating pattern that includes nutrient-dense foods and beverages in place of less healthy choices. Among other things, a healthy eating pattern includes a variety of protein foods, including nuts and seeds along with seafood, lean meats and poultry, eggs, legumes and soy products. The Guidelines also emphasize the importance of reducing saturated fats intake to less than 10 percent of calories per day and shifting food choices from those high in saturated fats to those high in polyunsaturated fats. Consuming walnuts can help you meet these guidelines. In addition to providing polyunsaturated fat (13 grams per ounce), which includes an excellent source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), the plant-based form of omega-3 fatty acids (2.5 grams per ounce), a serving of walnuts (1 oz), as part of a healthy diet, provides protein (4 grams per ounce) and are naturally sodium and cholesterol free. Looking for new ways to include walnuts on your plate? Check out our recipe section.

Does heating affect the nutrient content of walnuts?

The nutrient profile of walnuts changes insignificantly when roasted, toasted or baked for short periods of time. For information on the proper way to toast walnuts, see How to Toast Walnuts.

Are all omega-3 fatty acids the same?

No, they are not. There are three main omega-3 fatty acids: alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Omega-3s cannot be made in the body (therefore called essential), so they must come from food. EPA and DHA are found in fatty fish, including salmon, mackerel, and trout. ALA is found in plant-based foods, such as walnuts, flaxseed, soybean oil, and canola oil. In fact, walnuts are the only tree nut that is an excellent source of ALA.

Research on the health-promoting benefits of omega-3s has increased substantially over the years, primarily in the area of heart health. While most studies focus on EPA and DHA, new or recent research shows that ALA offers benefits on its own. Findings from a literature review suggest that ALA may be as effective in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease as EPA and DHA have been shown to be. Another study found that consuming omega-3s from plant-based sources, such as walnuts, may reduce the risk of all-cause mortality (or death from any cause), and marine-derived omega-3s may reduce the risk of heart-related fatalities. The greatest protective effects were seen in diets that included both plant and marine-based sources of omega-3s. All the more reason to eat a variety of foods from the omega-3 family.

What cancer fighting foods should I be eating?

According to the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR), the best diet for preventing cancer is a predominantly plant-based diet that includes a variety of brightly colored vegetables and fruits, whole grains, beans and nuts, such as walnuts. In fact, the AICR recommends that two-thirds of the plate be filled with these plant-based foods. More information about the role that walnuts can play in fighting cancer is available on our Walnuts and Health Page.

Are walnuts gluten-free?

Walnuts are naturally a gluten-free food. If you have Celiac Disease or are sensitive to gluten, please be sure to check the packaging to ensure that the product was not processed in a facility with products that contain gluten.

I have heard walnuts are good for me. Aren't all nuts the same?

Tree nuts and peanuts are quite different nutritionally. Walnuts are unique compared to other nuts because they are predominantly composed of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) rather than monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), which are predominant in most other nuts. Walnuts are the only nut that contain a significant amount of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), the plant-based source of omega-3 fatty acids. A one-ounce serving of walnuts provides 18 grams of total fat of which 13 grams are PUFA and 2.5 grams are ALA, as well as other health-promoting nutrients and bioactive components. For more nutritional information about the omega-3 content of walnuts visit our page about Alpha-Linolenic Acid. Nearly two decades of research, at renowned universities worldwide have shown the effect of walnuts in such areas as heart health, diabetes, cancer, cognition, aging and metabolic syndrome.

What does the Heart-Check logo mean and how might it help me?

The Heart-Check mark easily identifies foods, such as walnuts, that meet the nutritional standards set by the American Heart Association and provides consumers a quick and reliable way to identify heart-healthy foods. When you see the Heart-Check mark on food packaging, you’ll instantly know the food has been certified to meet the American Heart Association’s guidelines for a heart-healthy food. As a whole food certified with the Heart-Check mark, walnuts are an ideal choice in a sensible eating plan.

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Source:

"Walnut FAQs." California Walnuts, https://walnuts.org/about-walnuts/walnuts-faqs/. Accessed 23 Jan 2019.