The #1 Anti-Inflammatory Nut to Buy at Costco, According to Dietitians
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The #1 Anti-Inflammatory Nut to Buy at Costco, According to Dietitians
What Is Inflammation?
Inflammation is a natural immune response to a stressor in the body, such as injury, infection, sickness, or potentially harmful substances. It’s often assumed that all inflammation is bad, but the body’s inflammatory response is protective in many cases. For example, when an injury occurs, the body’s healing and recovery process requires an inflammatory response that includes redness and/or swelling. This is known as acute inflammation. Even regular exercise, such as lifting weights, causes inflammation in the body to help repair the muscles post-exercise.
However, some inflammation is beneficial to help the body repair itself, while more chronic inflammation can be harmful to the body. Chronic inflammation has been linked to the development of chronic diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. This longer-term inflammatory process may happen when the immune system is continuously defending against an ongoing threat.
What to Look For in an Anti-Inflammatory Food
Diet plays an important role in the inflammatory response. Some foods are anti-inflammatory, while others contribute to inflammation. That’s why a diet rich in inflammation-fighting nutrients, like unsaturated fats, antioxidants, and fiber, is so important. You can get these anti-inflammatory nutrients from fruits, vegetables, nuts, fish, olive oil, and chia, flax, and hemp seeds.
It can also be helpful to know which foods contribute to inflammation so they can be avoided. A diet high in ultraprocessed foods is a contributor to inflammation. Ultraprocessed foods are often high in sodium, saturated fat, and added sugars, which are nutrients that can increase the risk of inflammation if consumed in excess.
The #1 Anti-Inflammatory Nut at Costco
Thanks to their healthy fats and fiber, walnuts top the list for the No. 1 anti-inflammatory nut at Costco. Kirkland’s Signature Walnut Halves are available in an extra-large, 3-pound bag, which provides 45 quarter-cup servings. Each serving contains 2 grams of fiber and 5 grams of protein.
These versatile nuts deliver beneficial unsaturated fats, including alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid found in plants. Eating more healthy fats from nuts and seeds can help reduce inflammation. Research has found that eating a diet that includes walnuts is associated with reduced inflammatory markers. Additionally, promising research suggests that eating walnuts as part of a nutrient-dense diet may also be beneficial for brain health.
Tips for Enjoying Walnuts
Walnuts are one of our favorite pantry staples because of their health benefits and versatility. You can easily add them to sweet or savory dishes, including baked goods, trail mixes, and salads, or enjoy them as a snack. Walnuts also make a delicious addition to plant-based dishes and can even stand in as a meat alternative in dishes like Quick Walnut Tacos. Or try adding them to your favorite pasta dish with Basic Basil Pesto. These delicious nuts are also excellent in muffins or blended into Roasted Cauliflower & Walnut Dip.
The Bottom Line
If fighting inflammation is a goal, stocking up on anti-inflammatory pantry staples is a great place to start. Next time you’re at Costco, don’t forget to toss a bag of Kirkland Signature Walnut Halves into your cart. But don’t stop there. Load up on a wide variety of anti-inflammatory nuts and seeds for healthy, flavorful meals and snacks.
Conclusion
Incorporating anti-inflammatory foods into your diet can have a significant impact on your overall health. By choosing whole, nutrient-dense foods and avoiding processed and high-sugar options, you can reduce your risk of chronic diseases and promote overall wellness.
FAQs
Q: What are the best anti-inflammatory foods to include in my diet?
A: Fruits, vegetables, nuts, fish, olive oil, and chia, flax, and hemp seeds are all excellent sources of anti-inflammatory nutrients.
Q: How can I avoid foods that contribute to inflammation?
A: Avoid ultraprocessed foods and choose whole, nutrient-dense options instead.
Q: How many walnuts should I eat per day?
A: Aim for a serving size of 1 ounce, or about 23 nuts, per day.
Q: Can I eat walnuts with other foods?
A: Yes! Walnuts pair well with sweet and savory dishes, and can even be used as a meat alternative in some recipes.
