Overview:
Black walnuts, or Juglans nigra, grow wild across the United States and are the second most cultivated walnut in North America, following English walnuts.
The kernel is the part of the walnut that’s commonly eaten raw or roasted and can be pressed for oil. The hulls contain antioxidants and are used in extracts and supplements for medicinal purposes, such as to treat parasitic infections or decrease inflammation.
Black walnuts have a unique flavor and aroma, making them bolder and earthier than English walnuts. They’re a popular addition to recipes like baked goods and desserts.
Health Value of Black Walnuts
Black walnuts provide higher nutrition values than that of English walnuts. Particular protein as black walnuts have 75% more per 1 ounce. This can assist with weight loss, blood sugar, and actually helping to make you “feel” full. While being high in protein they are low in carbohydrates.
They also contain antioxidants (which can assist with preventing cellular decay that is caused by unstable molecules known as free radicals) as well as alpha-linolenic acid which is a form of omega-3 fatty acid that is an essential fat (which is something your body cannot produce and is needed from your dietary intake).
Heart Health
Black walnuts contain:
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Assist with heart disease risk factors such as cholesterol and blood pressure.
- Tannins – Help regular blood pressure and blood lipid levels
- Ellagic Acid – Which assists in preventing plaque buildup in arteries
A review of 13 studies found that eating black walnuts decreased the total and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. More studies showed that they did in fact improve blood vessel function and reduced plaque buildup.
Antitumor Properties
Black walnuts contain an antitumor compound called juglone. Test-tube studies have found this compound to significantly reduce tumor growth. Several test-tube studies indicate that juglone can cause cell death in certain cancerous cells, including of the liver and stomach
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In addition, black walnuts contain flavonoid antioxidants that have been shown to have beneficial effects against lung, breast, prostate, and colon cancers
Antibacterial Properties
Black walnut hulls are high in tannins — compounds with antibacterial properties. Tannins in black walnuts have antibacterial effects against, for example, Listeria, Salmonella, and E. coli — bacteria that commonly cause foodborne illnesses. Additionally it was also found to be effective in preventing growth of Staphylococcus aureus which is the typical cause of Impetigo.
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Anti-Parasitic
There are claims that black walnut has the ability to fight off different types of parasitic infections. While the claims to this have little scientific backing, black walnut extract is used in wormwood complex supplements. Wormwood complex is a tincture made from black walnut hulls, a plant called wormwood, and cloves. It’s a natural remedy against parasitic infections.
Skin Disorders
Some people use the extract as a gargle to kill bacteria in their mouth. Extract from black walnut leaves can also be used to treat skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, and warts.