While walnuts are lauded for their nutritional value and numerous health benefits, consuming an excessive quantity of these nutrient-dense nuts might lead to adverse effects on one's health. Packed with essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and minerals, walnuts are often praised for their positive impact on heart health, brain function, and overall well-being.
However, overindulgence in walnuts can potentially result in various harmful effects on the body. In this article, we will explore and shed light on the detrimental consequences that can arise from consuming an excessive number of walnuts, despite their myriad health advantages.
# Promotes Weight GainDietary fibers in walnuts provide stomach satiety and control overeating, a major cause of obesity.
As per a one-year study at the Linda University, California individuals who ate 35 grams of walnuts per day for one year didn’t show significant signs of weight gain despite their high calories.
However, overeating walnuts may lead to weight gain because of their high calorific value of 654 calories per 100 grams.If you are already getting enough calories through other food sources then calories from overeating walnuts may contribute to weight gain.For proper weight management, eat walnuts in moderation.
Avoid salted walnuts as they increase water retention and fat accumulation.Avoid roasted walnuts and fried walnuts as the former are deprived of healthy fats, and later may have unhealthy fats.If the oil used for frying walnuts is unhealthy or contaminated then it’s an even bigger problem.
# May Cause Allergic ReactionsWalnuts provide many health and beauty benefits as they are abundant in nutrients.However, avoid walnuts if you suffer from tree nut allergy as they may cause allergic reactions like abdominal pain, upset stomach, diarrhea, trouble swelling, itching of mouth, throat, skin, and other body regions, shortness of breath, wheezing, nasal congestion, and runny nose, etc.
People with a tree nut allergy are likely to be allergic to almonds, pecans, hazelnuts, cashews, and pistachios.If you experience any allergic reaction or discomfort after eating walnuts, discontinue the use and immediately consult a doctor.
# May Cause Skin Rashes And IrritationWalnuts provide many beauty benefits and are often added to cosmetic products like Exfoliators, cleansers, and face packs, etc.
However, in some people, the walnut extract may cause allergic reactions like skin irritation, swelling, rashes, and itching, etc.If you have a tree nut allergy, you are at higher risk of having skin allergies from walnut products.Do a patch test before using any cosmetic product involving walnuts.
If you experience any signs of reaction or another discomfort, avoid the use and consult a doctor.Overeating walnuts may also trigger skin reactions.
# May Cause & Worsen DiarrheaDietary fibers in walnuts are natural laxatives that relieve constipation and other digestive problems like abdominal pain, gas, bloating, and flatulence, etc.
However, when walnuts are consumed in excess then they may trigger diarrhea because of the high fiber content and high fats in them.Walnuts are at a higher risk of carrying allergens that may worsen the conditions of diarrhea and other digestive problems.Eat walnuts in moderation to reduce diarrhea risk.If you have diarrhea, avoid walnuts and consult your doctor.
# May Cause NauseaWhen our immune system encounters the allergens present in the walnuts, it stimulates the white blood cells to produce histamine.
Histamine is an organic compound involved in primary immune response as it allows the permeability of capillaries to the white blood cells and some proteins and allows them to deal with the allergens.In small quantities, histamine is not a problem and is even required by our body.However, overeating walnuts may increase histamine levels in the body, and give rise to allergic reactions like nausea, hives, itchy or flushed skin, red eyes, facial swelling, runny nose and congestion, headache, or asthma attacks.
# Not Safe For Pregnant And Nursing WomenWhen consumed in moderation and doctor’s supervision, walnuts may help in maintaining a healthy pregnancy.Antioxidants in walnuts protect the fetus from free radical damage.
Omega-3 fatty acid and the folic acid in the walnuts promote the brain development of the fetus, and folic acid reduces the risk of neural tube defects like spina bifida.Walnuts regulate blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of gestational diabetes often experienced during 24-28 weeks of pregnancy.However, allergens present in walnuts may trigger allergic reactions in some individuals.
They are high in calories and may contribute to weight gain when consumed in excess.Dietary fibers in walnuts may trigger diarrhea and other digestive problems.If you have a tree nut allergy, avoid walnuts.For this reason, consult with your doctor before adding walnuts to your pregnancy or nursing routine.
# May Cause Lip CancerLong-term application of walnut extract on the lips may increase the risk of lip cancer as it contains a cancer compound called “Juglone”.
Juglone is a clear liquid (prejuglone) that is non-toxic when it is in the tree. However, when the tree cells containing prejuglone are damaged, cut, or injured, it immediately oxidizes and become toxic.
# Not Suitable For Asthmatic PatientsVitamin E in walnut reduces lung inflammation and airway inflammation and is beneficial against asthma and other respiratory disorders.
However, in some individuals, allergens in walnuts may trigger and worsen asthma symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, wheezing, and rapid breathing, etc.If you have asthma but are not allergic to walnuts, consult your doctor to find out if you can eat walnuts and to eliminate any food-drug intolerance risk. Stick with the serving suggested by your doctor, and don’t go overboard.