Walnuts Are Very High in Healthy Unsaturated Fats

The 2020 Dietary Guidelines advisory Committee supports walnuts as the Omega three ALA nut. Carol Sloan is a health research director of the California Walnut board and commission.

“Because walnuts are so high in polyunsaturated fats. They really stand out in the committee reports because most other nuts and oils are monounsaturated. So, because of that unique nutrient attribute that walnuts have, we really do shine a spotlight on the guidelines or the scientific report that's out,” Sloan said. “The guidelines haven't been shared yet, but the report is out, so those of us who care, are waiting with bated breath to see what the government entities come up with, as far as recommendations for the public.”

And the Walnut industry is hoping that the public will trade some of the saturated fat food products for walnuts. “And the trend with, you know, is the Mediterranean style diet, more plant forward--- walnuts just fit right in with those recommendations.

Sloan said that her mother is 97 years-old and she gives walnuts a lot of credit for her mental agility.

“She’s been eating an ounce of walnuts for 35 years and she’s sharper than I am cognitively, and she has a really good quality of life. You know, she still has good physical functionality, and very mobile. And I think that all kind of ties it into healthy eating pattern, that includes walnuts,” Sloan explained.