African walnut which is known botanically as Tetracarpidium conophorum and belonging to the family of Euphorbiacea has been described as a good remedy for infertility, dreadful cholesterol, poor brain or mental function and cardiovascular diseases among others.

Walnut has a spermatogenic property, which makes it promote formation of sperm cells in the testicles. Walnut improves the quality and count of sperm produced. It is often prescribed as a form of treatment for infertility. Its leaf extract has been found to boost female fertility. The African walnut can also help to reduce bad cholesterol level in the blood.

African walnut is different from other walnuts from other parts of the world but all walnuts can boost cognitive functions when taken regularly due to the presence of high level of omega 3 fatty acids and vitamin B6. This helps to support brain functions.

Walnuts are eaten across the world but many people really do not know their huge benefits.

For example, walnut helps to prevent cardiovascular diseases. Heart attack and coronary heart diseases are greatly minimized with moderate consumption of walnut. The harm to the heart resulting from excessive consumption of fatty foods is preventable. It also possesses a heart friendly antioxidant.

Hypertensive patients benefit from consuming walnuts.
Those suffering from insomnia or sleep disorder can get good sleep as walnut has been found to enhance good sleep.
Walnut has high content of pyridoxine and melatonin which make it support quality sleep.

Walnut contains an array of vital essential minerals, vitamins and phyto-nutrients as well as non-nutritive phytochemicals known to impact positively on health. Some vitamins present in African walnut include:

Thiamine (Vitamin B1), which is very useful in addressing tachycardia (fast heart beat) and cardiomegaly (heart enlargement).

It also has riboflavin (Vitamin B2), which is good for the reproductive health and vision because it alleviates eye fatigue.

Walnut also has niacin (Vitamin B3), which is an essential ingredient for sex hormone production and healthy nervous system.

The nut has pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5), which plays major roles in fighting infection. It assists in production of antibodies; lowers cholesterol and triglycerides levels in the blood.

It is rich in pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) which helps in the treatment of premenstrual edema; Parkinson’s disease, nausea and edema.

Others are toxemia in pregnancy, brain disorders and male sexual malfunctions.

Walnut also has folic acid (Vitamin B9). It is one of the most important nutrients for an expectant mother and the foetus. Folic acid helps to prevent spontaneous abortion and difficult labour as well as high infant death rate.

The nut contains cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12) needed for the production and regeneration of red blood cells as well as ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), which is used to treat infections, allergies, respiratory disorders and urinary tract problems.

Also on the list is vitamin E (Tocopherol). This is one of the vitamins that possess anti-thrombin property. It helps to preserve the cardiovascular system as well as increases the oxygen available to the heart and other muscles.

African walnut has many minerals, especially manganese, selenium and L-arginine.

Manganese nourishes the brain and nerves, and assists to correct pancreas disturbances while selenium prevents hardening of arteries. It also promotes healthy tissue elasticity and helps in regeneration of liver after damage, especially by cirrhosis. It also raises sperm count and increases fertility in men as well as alleviating hot flushes and menopausal distress.

L-arginine is needed for the normal functioning of pituitary gland, production of insulin, glucagon and hemoglobin. It enhances the immune system function.

Walnut has melatonin, which is the hormone known to enhance sleep and immunity. It helps to preserve the body’s internal clock mechanism, and as such protects cells of the body by arresting proliferation of cancer cells.

Other nutrients present are ellagic acid, which acts like a powerful antioxidant and oleic acid. This reduces blood pressure and it helps to burn fat. It is useful in the treatment and management of type 2 diabetes.

For all the above reasons, you can not go wrong enjoying walnut this season.