Handbook launch of California Walnuts Nutrition and Health by California Walnut Commission

The California Walnut Commission(CWC), established in 1987 is an agency of the State of California that works in concurrence with the Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). The CWC is mainly involved in health research and export market development activities.

California is the second largest producer of walnuts of different colours, sizes. Walnuts should be included in diet for a healthy lifestyle. 

Showcase of handbook during its launch by California Walnut Commission

Dr. H.K Chopra mentioned, we should optimize the nutrition. Longer the waist line, shorter the heart life. Today in 65% of males and 70% of females are suffering from central obesity. The ratio of Omega3 and Omega6 is important. If this is altered, it leads to diseases like cancer, diabetes, arthritis etc. Salmon fish and walnuts are rich sources of Omega 3 fatty acid. Omega 6 is injurious to health.

Dr. H.K. Chopra, President Cardiological society of India and PresidentWorld Heart Academy & World Wellness Foundation & American heart Association Country Head

To address the issue of increasing diabetes amongst the population in India, the California Walnut Commission and Geetu Amarnani, Nutritionist & Lifestyle Management Consultant launched a handbook, ‘California Walnuts Nutrition and Health’. 

Mr. Scott Sindelar, Minister- Counselor for Agricultural Affairs, US Department of Agriculture, US Embassy

Dr. H.K. Chopra said- Fat is a dietary component vital to human growth and development. Our body cannot make certain essential fatty acids, including linoleic (LA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), so we must get from the foods we eat. This handbook helps advance the understanding of the many advantages of eating walnuts as part of a healthy diet.”

Ms.Geetu Amarnani, Nutritionist and lifestyle consultant

Geetu Amarnani said, “An ounce of walnuts provides 4 grams of protein and 2 grams of fiber, vitamin B1, B6 and E, Folic acid, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Copper, antioxidants and melatonin. This handbook aims to help a wide audience, from children to adults and people suffering from medical conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease and obesity”.

Mr. Keith Sunderlal, India Representative, California Walnut Commission

Benefits of Walnuts

1. Mr. Keith Sunderlal, said “The California Walnut Commission has been dedicated to walnut health research over the past 20 years,  with more than 159 papers that have shown how walnuts positively affect heart health, diabetes, cancer, cognition, fertility and weight management.

2. Dr. H.K. Chopra said- “Walnuts are one of the richest sources of omega3 fatty acid, with 2.5 grams of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) per serving. They reduce total cholesterol and LDL ‘bad cholesterol’. Having walnuts regularly in diet improves health and reduces the waist line as walnuts contain proteins, fats, fatty acids, good cholesterol, anti oxidants.

How to store Walnuts

1. As per Ms. Geetu Amarnani, Walnuts whether shelled or un shelled should be vacuum packed and stored in refrigerator to prevent its oxidation.

2. Only little amounts of walnut can be kept in normal temperature in a closed container.

How to eat Walnuts

1. One must not heat walnut too much as it spoils the nutritional value.

2. Walnut can be used in the dish post it is cooked.

3. “I recommend an adult to consume ounce (28gms) of walnuts a day to keep the heart attack away”, said Dr. H.K Chopra. The requirement of walnuts vary as per age. A child should have half ounce and a kid can have one fourth.

4. Walnut should be checked to have a have a good odour, colour and taste. Oxidized Walnut would not have at least one of three.

Nidhi KM

Copyright Viharin.com

With Mr. Scott Sindelar

With Dr. H.K. Chopra

With Ms. Geetu Amarnani