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I really hope you like walnuts! Are you aware of the many health benefits associated with walnuts?  Let’s begin with the obvious. Walnuts are shaped like brains so therefore must be  good for your brains!  Right?  Remember, if something is good for your heart  then it’s also good for your brain. Guess what, if  it’s good for your brain, then it’s good for your heart.

Here are some of the many health benefits of walnuts. Walnuts are high in protein and vitamin and nutrient loaded!  They are a healthy fat and recommended as a part of the Mediterranean diet lifestyle, which includes fruits, vegetables, fish, and of course cold pressed olive oil. Walnuts are loaded with omega 3’s which improve brain function. Our brains need omega 3 fats to function properly, so why not have walnuts?  They also contain antioxidants and fiber. Walnuts promote anti- aging.  All of these good ingredients contained in walnuts help our bodies handle stress better, too. This amazing food has also been shown to lower total cholesterol and LDL values. But wait, there’s more. Did you realize walnuts have been linked to weight management and even help with weight loss?

Walnuts are most definitely an  amazing, healthy, anti-aging, brain food!

Here is a recipe I created for spiced walnuts. Enjoy!

Spiced Walnuts

Ingredients:

1 egg white

1 tablespoon water

2-2 1/2 cups walnut halves or pieces

1/2 cup sugar and stevia mixture

2 tablespoons cinnamon

2 tablespoons nutmeg

2 tablespoons pumpkin pie spice-if available

Preheat oven to 250* and line a shallow baking dish with foil

In a bowl, combine egg white and water-beat until foamy. Mix the walnuts in and stir until coated. Put the mixture in a colander to drain for 3-5 minutes.

Combine sugar mixture with all the spices in a paper or plastic bag and shake. Add the walnuts, close the bag and shake so all the walnuts are coated with the mixture.

Spread the walnuts on the foil lined shallow baking in a single layer.

Bake for 60 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.

After removing from the oven, let the walnuts cool completely. Store in an air tight container. Enjoy!