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Food Focus: By Monica Cengia Dietitian


Walnuts

Quick Bits About A Fueling Favorite

The Easiest Way to Get Omega-3-Fatty Acids

Omega-3-Fatty Acids are a form of polyunsaturated fats which are essential for good health. The human body cannot make them on its own so omega-3 fats must be obtained from food.

Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA), the plant form of omega-3s found in walnuts, offers a variety of health benefits.


Simple Ways to Add Walnuts into Your Daily Life
  • Add walnuts into pastas and stir-fries
  • Mix walnuts into a salad
  • Sprinkle walnuts on oatmeal, yogurt, or cereal
  • Chopped walnuts add crunch and texture to fish chicken and wraps
  • Tasty addition to baked goods such as muffins and breads
  • 1 tablespoon of sugar and ¼ cup of sliced walnuts is a nutritious snack to satisfy your sweet tooth while providing important fats for health


Shopping Tip English walnuts -most consumed and commercially important


Reasons to "Go Nuts" Over Walnuts:
  • Walnuts contain healthy fats
  • Inhibit intestinal absorption of cholesterol lowering total plasma cholesterol and LDL levels
  • Important source of Vitamin E, protein, dietary fiber, and minerals such as magnesium and potassium
  • Play an important role in heart health and disease prevention
  • Restore arteries' elasticity

Shopping Tip Romans considered Walnuts "food for the gods"


The U.S. FDA states, "Supportive but not conclusive research shows that eating 1.5 ounces per day of walnuts, as part of a low saturated fat, low cholesterol diet and not resulting in increased caloric intake, may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease."


USDA recently updated the traditional food pyramid. Nuts are part of the pyramid! Check it out now at www.mypyramid.gov



Food Focus Reicpes

Cranberry Walnut Coleslaw


Ingredients
 1 cup California walnuts, coarsely chopped
 1 cup dried cranberries
 2 cups red cabbage, finely sliced
 2 cups green cabbage, finely sliced
 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion

Dressing
 1/3 cup cider vinegar
 1/3 cup canola oil
 1/3 cup sugar *
 1 tsp celery seed Directions


Directions
Mix the dressing ingredients together. Put the coleslaw ingredients into a bowl and toss with the dressing. Cover and let refrigerate about 3 hours before serving. Stir and drain off all liquid before serving. Recipe Courtesy of Marion Cunningham for the Walnut Marketing Board

*note: may use sugar substitute if desired

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