Qingkou Walnuts

Qingkou Walnuts

　　Walnuts, also known as Persian walnuts, are the fruit of the Juglans genus. Walnut kernels are rich in nutrients, containing 15–20 grams of protein, 60–70 grams of fat, and 10 grams of carbohydrates per 100 grams. They also provide a variety of essential trace elements and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and iron, as well as vitamins like carotene and riboflavin. The main component of the fat in walnuts is linoleic acid glyceride, which not only does not raise cholesterol levels after consumption, but can also reduce intestinal absorption of cholesterol. Therefore, walnuts can serve as a nourishing food for people with high blood pressure or arteriosclerosis. In addition, these oils can also meet the needs of brain tissue. The trace elements zinc and manganese found in walnuts are important components of the pituitary gland, and regular consumption can help supplement brain nutrition and improve cognitive function. Ancient Chinese people discovered long ago that walnuts have brain-boosting benefits. Li Shizhen said: “Walnuts can nourish kidney function, benefit the brain, and enhance intelligence.” Many ancient people also devised various ways to eat walnuts, such as crushing 500 grams of walnuts, removing the shells to extract the kernels, then mashing the kernels with rock sugar into a walnut paste. This paste was then sealed and stored in a ceramic jar, and two teaspoons were taken each time, mixed with boiling water and consumed. It is said that the white liquid that floats to the surface after mixing with water is the most potent “walnut milk” for brain nourishment. Walnuts are not only the best brain-nourishing food, but also serve as a remedy for neurasthenia. Elderly individuals suffering from symptoms such as dizziness, insomnia, palpitations, forgetfulness, loss of appetite, soreness in the lower back and knees, and general weakness can consume 1–2 walnut kernels twice a day—morning and evening—for nourishing and therapeutic effects. Walnut kernels also offer significant medicinal benefits for other conditions, such as supplementing qi and blood, moistening dryness and resolving phlegm, warming the lungs and lubricating the intestines, and reducing swelling and disinfecting. Recent scientific research has also shown that walnut tree branches can alleviate symptoms of tumors. Boiling fresh walnut tree branches with eggs in water and then eating the eggs can be used to help prevent cervical cancer and various types of cancer.