Walnut

Walnut The walnut tree, which produces very nutritious fruit that we enjoy eating fresh in the fall and dried throughout the year, is a model plant of the Walnut family. The most widely known of the walnut trees, which shed their leaves and have around 40 species, and the one that has adapted very well to our country is the (J. regia L.) species.

This species, which can live for 150-200 years, grow up to 20-25 m tall and cover an area of 350-400 square meters with dense shade, has a wide globe-shaped crown. While the trunk of the tree is silvery and covered with smooth bark when young, the bark darkens and becomes cracked as it ages. Its dark green compound leaves consist of 5-8 thin and long leaflets.

The male and female flowers of the walnut tree, which is a monoecious plant, bloom on the same tree in May. The green shell that surrounds the walnut fruit, which ripens from the female flowers in September-October, is called the 'gövek' or 'tetir'. When this shell is peeled off and the resulting hard light brown shell is broken, the walnut seed, this time wrapped in a thin yellowish light green shell, emerges. This seed, which is white in color, is called the 'walnut'.

The walnut kernel is eaten as a nut when it is fresh. The walnuts in their hard shell form are cracked after drying. The resulting seed is eaten as is, or it is made into sausage, desserts and appetizers, and is consumed abundantly by adding it to cakes, buns and some dishes. The timber obtained from the wood of the walnut tree is considered an extremely valuable material in furniture making.

NUTRITIONAL VALUES

The nutritional values contained in 100 gr. walnuts are as follows: 700 calories; 8-24 gr. protein: H gr. carbohydrate: 0 cholesterol; 62-75 gr. fat: 1.5 gr. fiber; 145 mg. phosphorus: 200 mg. calcium: 2 mg. iron; 0.8 mg. sodium; 195 mg. potassium: 37 mg. magnesium; 0.35 mg. vitamin B1: 0.10 mg. vitamin B2: 0.3 mg. vitamin B3; 0.3 mg. vitamin B6; 22 mcgr. folic acid: 6 mg. vitamin E and trace amounts of vitamins D and P.

BENEFITS TO OUR HEALTH

When the above values are examined, it is revealed that it is a very important source of fat and protein, even if the high rates are left aside. In addition;

Eating walnuts helps protect heart health, the linoleic acid in the unsaturated fats it contains lowers cholesterol levels. In addition, the linoleic acid it contains, as well as alphalinoleic acid and omega 3 fatty acids, prevent blockages in the arteries. Studies have shown that the risk of coronary artery disease is significantly reduced in people who regularly eat walnuts. Regular consumption of walnuts for four weeks reduces bad cholesterol levels and increases good cholesterol levels.

 Eating it lowers high blood pressure and greatly reduces inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis.

It reduces the risk of cancer and also regulates blood sugar levels: Due to this last beneficial effect, diabetics are advised to eat three pieces a day.

The young or dried leaves, heart or walnut kernel of the walnut tree have various medicinal effects: It is a tonic that strengthens the body, stimulates appetite, cleanses the blood and is effective against bone weakness.

To provide all these effects, a %2 infusion is made with fresh or shaded, airy walnut leaves. That is, 20 grams of leaves are added to 1 liter of boiling water, brewed for 10-15 minutes, and 2-3 glasses of the infusion are drunk per day. In autumn, the core of the walnut or the leaves can be added to the leaves.

Attention: Since walnuts are very strong nutrients, they should not be eaten in excessive amounts. Otherwise, they will cause fattening and obesity. Also, since they will have damaging effects on the stomach and intestines, they should definitely not be eaten.