Wednesday, November 22, 2006

Can Walnuts Protect Body From Heart Disease?

Walnut consumption can cause a threefold increase in the level of melatonin in the blood. Melatonin, which helps regulate sleep patterns, is a chemical produced by the pineal gland in the brain. Research also revealed that a combination of melatonin and omega-3 fatty acids works as a strong antioxidant to prevent the build-up of free radicals. The amount of free radicals in the body does increase with age and is associated with heart disease and cancer.

Very few food items such as corn, tomatoes, and potatoes contain small amounts of melatonin as compared to that found in walnuts. Adding walnuts to diet can boost melatonin levels that may reduce incidence of disease like Parkinsonism and Alzheimer's disease, in addition to heart disease and cancer.

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