Walnut vs chestnut – comparison:
Short answer – both walnuts and chestnuts offer an array of health benefits, although walnuts contain significantly more fat than chestnuts do. However, since the type of fat found in walnuts is mostly unsaturated fats – which can help lower cholesterol levels – they are still considered to be a healthy option overall.
Introduction
With the festive season having been and gone for another year, that doesn’t mean that we can’t still enjoy chestnuts roasting on an open fire.
While chestnuts are more commonly associated with the winter, there’s another nut enjoyed in the summer that gives chestnuts a run for their money in terms of taste and texture, and that is the humble walnut.
Both chestnuts and walnuts offer their unique flavors, aromas, textures, and flavor profiles. Yet, the two are very different from each other, not only in taste and appearance but also in terms of health benefits as well.
Nuts are amongst the healthiest foods on the planet, yet some are healthier than others.
If you’re eating nuts solely for their health benefits, you’ll likely want to know which are the best and which are the worst.
In terms of chestnuts vs walnuts, while both have their merits, to help you decide which to add to your diet, here’s a look at the differences and health benefits of each one.
Health benefits of walnuts
Walnuts are actually a fruit as they are the edible seed of any number of trees of the species Juglans, English or Persian Walnut, or Juglans regia.
Walnuts have a unique appearance that almost resembles a human brain.
Not only are they incredibly tasty, but they’re also extremely healthy.
Here are just a few of the main health benefits of walnuts.
They’re great for the brain
The first health benefit of walnuts that we’re going to look at today is that walnuts are so great for the brain.
Walnuts look like a human brain, and so that instantly gives a clue about just how healthy and beneficial they really are in terms of cognitive function.
Walnuts are packed full of omega-3 fatty acids. These are healthy fats that promote brain health and function. On top of that, they’re enriched with polyphenols, vitamins, and antioxidants that promote cellular health and function, especially in the brain.
Studies have found that walnuts may help improve cognitive health and function, assisting with short and long-term memory and helping to prevent degenerative diseases such as Dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Walnuts improve your mood
Another benefit linked with walnuts and the brain is the fact that walnuts may help to improve your mood.
Walnuts help to improve brain health and function, and they contain an amino acid known as tryptophan. Tryptophan acts as a precursor for serotonin, which is an endorphin that lifts your mood and promotes feelings of relaxation.
Walnuts boost immunity
In your body, your immune system acts as a natural defense against illness and disease. A strong immune system will protect you against all manner of ailments and health issues.
The immune system thrives upon vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, amino acids, polyphenols, and other nutrients, and wouldn’t you know, walnuts are packed full of these things?
By consuming walnuts regularly, you are nourishing your body with natural goodness and giving it exactly what it needs.
Can reduce inflammation
Walnuts are also extremely effective at fighting and preventing inflammation in the body.
Inflammation can be the cause of all manner of chronic diseases and health issues, which are caused by oxidative stress. Walnuts contain polyphenols and other antioxidants that tackle inflammation.
In particular, polyphenols called ellagitannins are useful as, in the gut, they are converted into compounds known as urolithins. It is these that help protect against and prevent inflammation in the brain and body.
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Health benefits of chestnuts
Okay, so, we’ve looked at walnuts, and we’ll get to chestnuts vs walnuts at the end of this document, but first, let’s look at chestnuts.
Chestnuts are commonly consumed over the holidays and are often roasted over open flames, or added to stuffings. As well as having a sweet and nutty flavor, however, they’re also very healthy. Some health benefits include:
Rich in nutrients
Chestnuts are loaded full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that do the body a world of good.
The fact that chestnuts are so nutritious means that they can strengthen your immune system and help to protect against illness and disease. The stronger your immune system, the healthier you are likely to be.
May protect the heart
Due to the fact that chestnuts are rich in natural goodness such as ellagic acid and gallic.
These antioxidants help to reduce blood pressure and can lower cholesterol levels.
As well as this, they also contain potassium, which is a mineral that plays a key role in cardiovascular health and function.
Great source of fiber
Another health benefit of chestnuts is the fact that they are loaded full of fiber.
Fiber helps to promote a healthy digestive system and can promote gut health, healthy stools, and even weight loss as it promotes satiety and helps to keep you feeling full for longer.
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Chestnuts vs walnuts – which is healthier?
Okay, so, the moment of truth, which is the healthiest out of chestnuts vs walnuts?
Well, in all honesty, both chestnuts and walnuts have their own unique health benefits, and both are healthy in their own right.
Walnuts are the healthiest of the two, on paper at least, as they contain more minerals, healthy fats, and antioxidants than chestnuts. The main downside, however, is that they contain way more saturated fat than chestnuts. The fats may be healthy, but you can still have too much of a good thing.
Walnuts are considered to be better for the brain and body, however, as they contain more nutrients and natural goodness than chestnuts. That isn’t to say that chestnuts are unhealthy because they aren’t.
Out of the two, though, walnuts are considered healthier.
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