![](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63078b302de1ba1aa3899927/9174a634-9af7-4623-aa1a-674bc6993253/maria-lupan-QarCi8jjN_4-unsplash.jpg)
Livermore Walnuts (California)
Nestled in the heart of California's fertile valleys, the Livermore walnut is a rare gem among nut varieties.
A hybrid of the Persian red-skinned walnut and English walnut varieties, Livermore walnuts are bred to perfection using natural grafting techniques —resulting in their striking scarlet skin and unparalleled taste. With a flavor profile that stands out for its creamy mellowness of flavor, harmoniously balanced with a subtle piquancy—Livermore walnuts are characterized by their low tannic content, acidity and bitterness. Additionally, they are a rich source of antioxidants, fiber, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Vitamin B-6, Iron, Copper, Vitamin E, Phosphorus, and Magnesium…and may offer neuroprotective benefits due to their high antioxidant content.
Delight in the striking red color, creamy flavor and exceptional health benefits of Livermore Walnuts.
A Brief History of Walnuts
“The walnut, a native of Asia, Europe and North America, is second only to the almond in popularity and consumption. Two signs of its long-standing eminence are its Latin name, Juglans, which means “Jove’s acorn” (Jovis glans), and the fact that in many European Languages, the generic term for nut is also the word for walnut (the English words means “foreigner’s nut”). The major American species, the black walnut, is native to the Appalachians; the English or Italian walnut, which came from Europe, is now grown mainly in California, and is preferred by producers for being easier to shell. The United States, France and Italy are the major producers today. Like pecans and hickory nuts, its relatives, the walnut is the stone of a drupe, the edible portion being two irregularly shaped cotyledons.”
—Harold McGee, On Food and Cooking (272)
Antioxidants and Anti-Cancer Properties
Livermore walnuts are not only delicious but also packed with numerous health benefits that make them a valuable addition to any diet. One of the most significant health benefits of Livermore walnuts is their high concentration of antioxidants.
Antioxidants are crucial for protecting the body against free radicals, which may cause cell damage and contribute to the development of chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer's disease. Specifically, Livermore walnuts are a rich source of ellagitannins, a type of antioxidant that has been shown to have anti-cancer properties.
Source: Teymouri, M., et al. (2021). Phytochemicals and biological activities of Persian walnuts (Juglans Regia L.): A review. Food Chemistry, 343, 128451. (Peer-reviewed)
“The health benefits of the oils, especially the omega-3 fatty acids, in walnuts have been investigated and found highly beneficial.”
— McGranahan, Gale, and Charles Leslie. "Walnut." Fruit breeding (2012): 827-846.
An excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids, walnuts which may help regulate inflammation levels in the brain and body.
In addition to their antioxidant properties, Livermore walnuts are also a great source of Omega-3 fatty acids. These essential fatty acids are help regulate inflammation levels in the body and brain.
Compared to other nuts, walnuts contain the highest amount of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), the plant-based omega-3 fatty acid, required by the human body.
Research has indicated that increasing your intake of Omega-3s may reduce the risk of developing many dangerous diseases. For vegetarians and those who don't eat fish, Livermore walnuts are a valuable source of these vital nutrients.
“The Mediterranean diet has been shown to be anti-inflammatory because of its focus on whole foods and omega-3 fatty acids,” Zumpano says. “It also eliminates processed oils, like cottonseed and soybean oil, which are found in many ultra-processed foods.”
— (2022, February 12). Why and How To Start an Anti-Inflammatory Diet. Cleveland Clinic.
Rich in Antioxidants (Including Vitamin E)
Walnuts are a good source of antioxidants including vitamin E, which can help to protect the body against oxidative stress and inflammation. Antioxidants are substances that might protect your cells against the effects of free radicals — molecules produced when your body breaks down food or is exposed to tobacco smoke and radiation. Free radicals might play a role in heart disease, cancer and other diseases.
According to the Mayo Clinic, Vitamin E is a fat soluble vitamin with antioxidant properties that's “important to vision, reproduction, and the health of your blood, brain and skin.” Vitamin E deficiency may cause nerve pain (neuropathy). The recommended daily amount of vitamin E for adults is 15 milligrams a day.
Consuming Vitamin E through dietary, whole food ingredients offers a wider range of antioxidants that are naturally occurring in the food, compared to consuming Vitamin E in supplement form.
“Frequent consumption of nuts and/or dried fruits is highly recommended to obtain the full benefit of the nutrients, bioactives, and antioxidants that they contain, together with their desirable flavor.“
— Alasalvar C, Salvadó JS, Ros E. Bioactives and health benefits of nuts and dried fruits
Livermore Walnuts are Rich in Anthocyanins
Their bright red skin is an indicator of high levels of anthocyanins, or plant-pigments. Anthocyanins are a form of that are naturally occuring in plants: “a class of water-soluble flavonoids widely present in fruits and vegetables. Dietary sources of anthocyanins include red and purple berries, grapes, apples, plums, cabbage, or foods containing high levels of natural colorants.” [Mattioli, Francioso, Mosca, Silva.]
"Anthocyanins benefit cardiovascular health via antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, (49, 57) positive effects on plasma lipid levels, and modulation of glucose metabolism and endothelial function.”
Kalt W, Cassidy A, Howard LR, Krikorian R, Stull AJ, Tremblay F, Zamora-Ros R. Recent Research on the Health Benefits of Blueberries and Their Anthocyanins. Adv Nutr. 2020 Mar 1;11(2):224-236. doi: 10.1093/advances/nmz065. PMID: 31329250; PMCID: PMC7442370
“Health benefits of anthocyanins have been widely described, especially in the prevention of diseases associated with oxidative stress, such as cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Furthermore, recent evidence suggests that health-promoting effects attributed to anthocyanins may also be related to modulation of gut microbiota.”
Rich in Minerals including Manganese, which support brain and nervous system function.
Livermore walnuts are rich in manganese, a mineral that is vital for maintaining the overall health of the nervous system.
Manganese helps protect the brain and ensure it functions at its best. Additionally, Livermore walnuts are a great source of copper and iron, which play an important role in red blood cell formation, immune system function, and energy production.
Livermore walnuts contain a range of other key vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin E, phosphorus, and magnesium—all essential for maintaining healthy bones, skin, and hair.
Source: Ahmad, Z., et al. (2020). The Nutritional and Medicinal Value of Walnuts: A Comprehensive Review. Food Reviews International, 36(5), 492-523. (Peer-reviewed)
“The International Journal of Applied and Basic Nutritional Sciences, research from the University of Texas has proven that walnuts are a natural source of melatonin and, further, that walnuts are the richest known food source of melatonin. “The ingredients in walnuts would be expected to reduce the incidence of cancer, delay or make less severe neurodegenerative diseases of aging – including Parkinson's and Alzheimer's Disease – and reduce the severity of cardiovascular disease.”
— Dr. Russel Reiter, PhD, and Professor of Neuroendocrinology at the University of Texas. Published in the September 2005 issue of Nutrition.
Walnuts Linked to Lowered Diabetes Risk
Research shows that high consumption of nuts (especially walnuts) has been associated with a lower diabetes risk.
A 2009 study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that walnuts, known for their high content of polyunsaturated fat (13g), significantly improve metabolic factors in overweight individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Therefore, regular consumption (approximately one handful daily) of nuts over the long term, as a replacement to less healthful foods, can be incorporated as a component of a healthy diet for the prevention of obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Several independent prospective studies found that nut consumption was associated with lower weight gain over relatively long periods of time.
Source: Chandra L Jackson, Frank B Hu, Long-term associations of nut consumption with body weight and obesity1,2,3,4, The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Volume 100, Supplement 1, 2014, Pages 408S-411S, ISSN 0002-9165.
Livermore walnuts are not only a delicious snack but also a valuable source of numerous essential nutrients that are beneficial for overall health.
With their unique flavor profile, vivid scarlet skin, and various health benefits, Livermore walnuts are a luxurious treat to be enjoyed as part of a healthy and balanced diet.
SOURCES:
Fraser G.E., Sabaté J., Beeson W.L, Strahan T.M. A possible protective effect of nut consumption on risk of coronary heart disease. The Adventist Health Study. Arch. Intern. Med. 1992;152:1416–1424. - PubMed
Sabaté J., Salas-Salvadó J., Ros E. Nuts, nutrition and health outcomes. Br. J. Nutr. 2006;96:S1–S102. - PubMed
Sabaté J., Fraser G.E., Burke K., Knutsen S.F., Bennett H., Lindsted K.D. Effects of walnuts on serum lipid levels and blood pressure in normal men. N. Engl. J. Med. 1993;328:603–607. - PubMed
King J.C., Rechkemmer G., Geiger C.J. Supplement: 2007 Nuts and Health Symposium. J. Nutr. 2008;138:1734S–1765S. - PubMed
Brufau G., Boatella J., Rafecas M. Nuts, source of energy and macronutrients. Br. J. Nutr. 2006;96:S24–S28. - PubMed
Nishi SK, Viguiliouk E, Kendall CWC, Jenkins DJA, Hu FB, Sievenpiper JL, Atzeni A, Misra A, Salas-Salvadó J. Nuts in the Prevention and Management of Type 2 Diabetes. Nutrients. 2023 Feb 9;15(4):878. doi: 10.3390/nu15040878. PMID: 36839236; PMCID: PMC9965730.
McGranahan, Gale, and Charles Leslie. "Walnut." Fruit breeding (2012): 827-846. Link.
Murphy, Ann. “Eating Walnuts with High-Fat Meals Helps to Protect Arteries against Short-Term Damage” American College of Cardiology. Link