Vocational School of Justice
WALNUT: BRAIN AND HEARTH HEALTHY FOOD
Research shows walnut consumption boosts memory, perception, and neural effects, and has positive benefits on students. Prof. Dr. Nazan Turhan, Head of IUE Department of Food Engineering, emphasized the importance of consuming walnuts in terms of brain and heart health.
Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have significant effects on brain development and function indicated Prof. Dr. Turhan and she said, “Scientific research shows that walnut, good source of omega-3 fats, boosts memory, perception, and neural effects. Walnut, which contains high levels of PUFA, Omega 3, Omega 6 Omega, and other phytochemicals, offers so many benefits for brain and heart.”
‘Handful of Walnuts Every Day’
Prof. Dr. Turhan stated that PUFAs had positive effects on a wide variety of diseases from metabolic to neuropsychiatric diseases, and walnut consumption was very important for the development, structure, and maintaining the function of brain. Prof. Dr. Turhan, who reported that phytochemicals increased the level of antioxidants in the blood plasma and protected the neural structure, stated the following:
“It has been reported that some of the bioactive compounds in walnut has protective effect on brain cells. Walnut has improving effect on critical parts of the brain especially on memory and spatial learning. It also has cardiovascular benefits thanks to high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids and polyphenol. Walnut is also rich in calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphor, and iron. Consuming 100 grams of walnut daily makes up for the %10- %20 of calcium necessary for adults. It is important for individuals of all ages to consume walnut. Especially students need to consume a handful every day to boost their brain power.”