In pics: 5 amazing health benefits of walnuts

You must have heard your grandmother asking you to eat walnuts to improve your memory. Guess what, this age-old wisdom is backed by science. Walnuts contain phytochemicals and polyunsaturated fats that are good for both brain health and function. Walnuts are also rich in Alpha linolenic acid, or ALA, which is a type of omega-3 fatty acid - making walnuts a rich source of plant-based Omega-3 fatty acids.  These acids help in reducing oxidative stress in the brain and improve brain signalling and neurogenesis.

Apart from the good fats, nutrients such as vitamin E, folate and ellagic acid are all found in walnuts, and contribute to neuroprotection and memory function.

Studies have shown that including walnuts in our diet leads to an increase in bacteria that produce butyrate, a fat that nourishes your gut and promotes gut health. This leads to better digestion.

Walnuts are rich in good fats.  Monounsaturated fatty acids like alpha-linolenic acid and linolenic acid, which are found in walnuts, promote a healthy lipid supply. They also lower the bad cholesterol gets and increases good cholesterol levels.

Walnuts are rich in antioxidants and vitamin E. The antioxidants present in walnuts protect your skin against free radical damage. The free radicals are responsible for dry and itchy skin, acne and break-outs.

Research on animals suggests that eating walnuts may help protect sperm by reducing oxidative damage in their membranes. A study on humans has also shown that people who ate the mixture of nuts that was made up of 50 percent walnuts, 25 percent almonds, and 25 percent hazelnuts -  reported a significant increase in orgasmic function and sexual desire.