And while walnuts are delicious, they’re also packed with nutritional benefits. They even made it into our lists of the 30 healthiest foods you should eat every day, the 10 best heart-healthy ingredients, the best foods for fighting inflammation, and the healthiest types of nuts. Walnuts are a pint-sized package of protein, fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants that you can take with you on the go. They’re a mainstay in the mega-healthy Mediterranean Diet and about as versatile a food can get. We spoke with Wendy Bazilian, DrPH, MA, RDN, about the endless health benefits you’ll reap when you snack on walnuts. RELATED: Your Gut Needs Prebiotics and Probiotics—but What’s the Difference? This RD Breaks It Down “An increase in consumption of walnuts and other tree nuts by half a serving per day was associated with a 15 percent and 11 percent lower risk of developing obesity and lesser weight gain of -0.37 kilograms and -0.36 kilograms, respectively,” she explains.
