Walnuts are touted as being the best anti-inflammatory nut with the best ratio of 3s to 6s, but the 3 is all ALA, which is ‘not converted well’ into EPA and DHA. These two omega-3s, namely EPA, reduce inflammation generally. While walnuts have the best nut n-6/n-3 fatty acid ratio according to this, they also have the highest Omega 6 mg count. The ALA omega-3 that gives the 4:1 ratio is mostly useless, which leads to my question: Are walnuts actually the worst nut for anti-inflammatory effects? A high amount of omega-6 vs a high amount of useless ALA omega-3. I do have this study that seems to support walnuts’ ability to reduce the ratio in mice organs. If it translates to humans, this could lead to better health for the heart, and I assume inflammation reduction is partly the cause.
Woah now - trashing walnuts? Seriously? Practically the only nut with a significant amount of Omega 3 as the “worst nut” for anything is a BIG stretch.
Evidence, please. Is this your opinion? Please clarify. You realize the rat study you posted said walnuts were beneficial for metabolic syndrome, right?? Where is the study saying walnuts are bad in any way whatsoever???
Show me any study saying walnuts are bad or worsen any biomaker or outcome.
All major health organizations tell people to eat more nuts - walnuts often specifically being recommended due to O3 content.
ALA is the compound that is converted into EPA and DHA. The ratio is important because when omega 6 is too high the byproduct arachidonic acid decreases EPA and DHA production from the ALA derived from the omega 3. Both 6 and 3 produce the anti-inflammatory eicosanoids you just need to consume more 3 to counteract the effects of arachidonic acid during the metabolism of 6. This is why the ratio of 3/6 in walnuts is so favorable
Fat oxidation is important to look at. Don’t be omega6 phobic, be oxidised omega 6 phobic. Walnuts are fine, especially if they’re good quality. Also wouldn’t cook em too much if you heat them.
If we’re realistic plant omega 3 is inferior anyway, it should compliment your animal omega 3. From good meat, good fish and quality eggs, etc
Squirrels have a strong preference towards walnuts, and would guess it’s because of nutritional content vs. flavor. Alot of the beneficial health properties of walnuts are in the hulls, which are typically removed. That’s the part of the walnut used to make health products. A Black Walnut tincture,.for example, would be used for it’s anti-parasitic properties (ie. Bitterness). That could help reduce inflammation.
Your body can convert ALA into DHA and EPA, but the ability to do so depends on the ratio of your omega3/omega6 intake. It is advisable to avoid consuming too much sunflower oil (only omega6), because that really ruins this ratio fast.
Walnuts are pretty high in omega3s I only know hempseed, flaxseed or chia seeds to have more (or better ratio).