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At this point in time, there are a huge number of varieties of nuts. One of the most unusual and rare is the black American one, which received this name because of the shade of the roots. The fruits have healing properties. Before you start eating, it is recommended to first study the beneficial properties of black walnut and contraindications in order to avoid possible harm to the body.
Description of black walnut
The appearance and taste of the fruit are similar to walnuts. A distinctive feature is the fact that the American walnut has a much higher concentration of active substances, as a result of which it is so beneficial.
If we consider the external features of the tree, it is worth noting the following characteristics:
- the plant can reach a height of up to 50 m;
- the color of the trunk is rich brown, with pronounced deep grooves on the bark;
- the trunk is quite strong and powerful, has an attractive appearance, as a result of which American walnut is used in the production of furniture;
- The crown of the tree is spreading and powerful.A characteristic feature is the inclination of the branches;
- The root system is quite powerful and goes deep into the ground. A distinctive feature is the rich black color of the roots.
The leaf plates are arranged alternately and grow up to 25 cm. Each plate contains several oval-shaped leaves, up to 10 cm long, with jagged edges along the edges, reaching 3 cm. As a rule, the buds begin to bloom at the end of April.
Flowering occurs after the tree reaches the age of 7-10 years. The flowers are staminate, their appearance resembles earrings up to 15 cm long, pistillate flowers are collected in inflorescences of 5 pieces. Ripe fruits have a diameter of 3-5 cm and can be round or ovoid in shape. The shell is very strong, covered with small grooves. For clarity, you can see a photo of black walnut.
Where does black walnut grow in Russia?
The plant looks like a regular walnut tree. It grows in North America, as a result of which this variety is called American. As a rule, trees are found in deciduous forests; the growing area is quite large.
Today this species is common in European countries. In Russia, trees of this species are practically unknown to the local population; they are not found in nature as often as in the USA.
If necessary, black American walnut can be seen in botanical gardens or in the southern Russian regions, where plants are planted for production purposes, for further sale. Mature trees can be seen in Sochi, with regular fruiting every year.
Chemical composition
The fruits are distinguished by both beneficial properties and high nutritional value. That is why this product is not recommended for consumption by people suffering from excess weight, as well as during weight loss. For every 0.1 kg of product there are about 618 kcal. For clarity, you can consider the percentage ratio of the components included:
- proteins – 15%;
- fats – 83%;
- carbohydrates – 2%.
Before you start using the product, you should take into account its beneficial properties and components that are included in the composition. This is due to the fact that, due to the individual characteristics of the body, some components will not be absorbed, and in addition, they can cause significant harm to health.
Includes:
- flavonoids;
- sugar;
- tannins;
- enzymes;
- carotene;
- tannin;
- acids;
- phytoncides;
- essential oil;
- glycoside;
- vitamins;
- organic iodine;
- magnesium;
- silicon;
- iron;
- phosphorus;
- manganese;
- potassium.
It is important to consider that the concentration of all available beneficial components is at a high level.
Medicinal properties of black walnut
Today, the fruits are actively used in folk medicine due to their beneficial properties. The effectiveness has been proven after a number of tests. Medicines made on its basis are used to treat systemic, chronic, and oncological diseases.
American walnut includes a large number of beneficial and medicinal properties. For example, these:
- improves microflora - thanks to its beneficial properties, the product is able to resist bacteria in the intestines;
- thanks to antibacterial properties, it allows you to destroy microbes;
- significantly slows down the aging process of the skin, helps cell regeneration;
- increases the immune system, increases the body's resistance to diseases;
- has an excellent anti-inflammatory effect, as a result of which swelling subsides quite quickly;
- also has a slight analgesic effect;
- since ancient times, black walnut has been used to combat viral diseases (for example, herpes);
- allows you to get rid of fungal diseases;
- According to research, American walnut can be used in the fight against cancer. In addition, the product is used for preventive purposes;
- helps cleanse the body of toxins;
- It is particularly effective in the fight against worms, helping to remove them from the intestines as quickly as possible;
- if necessary, black walnut can relieve nausea and prevent the gag reflex;
- often used for wounds - this product is able to stop bleeding, forming a film on the surface of the body that acts as a barrier, preventing infections from penetrating;
- helps overcome insomnia, has a calming effect on the nervous system, relieves stress;
- Thanks to its beneficial properties and vitamins, black walnut improves overall health.
That is why American walnut is so often used in folk medicine, which is facilitated by the beneficial and medicinal properties of the product.
How to take black walnut
If we consider the beneficial properties and uses of black walnut, we can note that not only the kernels, but also the leaves, peel, and oil are used to combat diseases. This product is used in both folk and traditional medicine. Drugs can have a variety of release forms and dosages.
The most popular today are:
- black walnut extract, which is based on the peel (taken in the treatment of the gastrointestinal tract);
- tablets, capsules – made from natural leaves and additional components (help with colds);
- oil – obtained from kernels (used for skin diseases);
- ointments – help with skin diseases;
- syrup – obtained by boiling raw materials with the addition of sugar;
- balms – prepared on the basis of black walnut and alcohol;
- candles – found active use in gynecology;
- decoctions – prepared from leaves, fruits and peel.
Uses of black walnut leaves
Both the kernels and leaves of black walnut have beneficial properties, as a result of which they can also be used for medicinal purposes. To prepare a decoction based on walnut tree leaves you will need:
- Take 2 tsp. chopped American walnut leaves (about 5 g).
- Pour in 400 ml of water.
- Bring to a boil and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Leave for 1 hour (until the water turns dark brown).
- Strain the broth.
This decoction can be used to rinse the mouth if you have certain diseases and infections. If necessary, you can use the decoction for compresses, which are excellent for diathesis. In addition, the resulting product prevents hair loss and eliminates excess oiliness.
Before starting treatment using these folk remedies, it is necessary to take into account that despite all the beneficial properties, the resulting product may also have a number of contraindications.
For example, such decoctions are not recommended for people who have an acute stage of gastritis, with liver cirrhosis, during pregnancy, or during lactation.
It is important to observe the permissible dosages and ensure that they are not exceeded during the treatment process, otherwise significant harm can be caused to health. Such effects include dizziness, nausea, constipation, and stomach cramps.
Uses of black walnut oil
American walnut oil can be purchased at a pharmacy if necessary. As you know, oil is obtained from nut kernels, which later has the same beneficial properties as the original product. The oil can be used to achieve the following effects:
- as preventive measures to prevent colds;
- to restore the immune system after illness or with a weakened body;
- oil obtained from American walnut kernels is excellent in cases where there is a malfunction of the thyroid gland;
- due to its beneficial properties and rich composition, it allows you to fill the body with essential vitamins, helps with vitamin deficiency;
- often used in the presence of inflammatory processes of the genital organs in women;
- provides significant assistance for problems with the kidneys and bladder;
- actively used for hemorrhoids;
- if you rub problem areas 2-3 times a day with black walnut oil, you can get rid of lichen, abscesses, boils and other skin diseases;
- as a preventive measure, it can be used to rinse the mouth;
- During colds, nut oil is used to prepare steam inhalations.
The treatment period using black walnut oil should not exceed 31 days. It is recommended for adults to consume 0.5 tsp, for children (starting from 3 years old) – ¼ tsp. It is recommended to take the oil 1 hour before meals.
Application of the peel
Many people know that the peel of an American walnut has all the beneficial properties of the fruit itself, as a result of which not the kernels or the whole fruit, but only the peel can be used to prepare decoctions.
The peel of the fruit can also be boiled, poured with vodka and infused for several weeks, or boiled in honey. To prepare the decoction you need:
- Take 1 liter of water.
- Peels from 10 nuts.
- Boil.
- Let cool.
Use 1 tbsp. l. every day.
Application of fruits
Due to the benefits of black walnut, it is used in folk medicine. Often, unripe fruits are taken to prepare medicinal decoctions. Cooking algorithm:
- Unripe American walnut fruits are washed under running water.
- Place in a clean glass container up to the very top. If the fruits are too large, they can be split into several parts, and the green part should also be used to prepare medicinal decoctions.
- The container with the fruits is filled with 50% alcohol so that there is no free space left.
The container with the medicine should be stored with a tightly closed lid, and the future medicine should not be exposed to sunlight. If you follow these recommendations, the product can be stored for a long time. In order to complete a course of treatment of 20 days, 250 ml is enough.
Use in cooking
Black walnuts can be eaten raw, and the kernels can also be used as an additive for desserts. Often, crushed nut kernels are added to vegetable salads and baked goods. Some housewives make jam using syrup and black walnut kernels for this purpose.
The step-by-step cooking algorithm is as follows:
- Take 20 unripe American nuts.
- Remove the peel from them.
- The fruits are soaked for 31 days. It is important to consider that the water needs to be changed every day.
- After 1 month, each black walnut is pierced.
- Take 1 kg of slaked lime, add nuts to it, pour cold clean water and leave it like that for 48 hours.
- After 2 days have passed, the nuts are taken out and washed thoroughly under running water. Place in a container and fill to the very edges with clean cold water for another 4 days.
- It is important to consider that the water is replaced at least 3 times throughout the day.
- When the nuts are ready, you can fill them with hot water, adding 2 tbsp. l. alum. After which the fruits are simmered for 40 minutes.
- After 40 minutes, change the water and continue cooking for another 15 minutes.
- Then pour the black nuts into a colander and start making the syrup.
- For the syrup you will need 4 kg of granulated sugar, add a small amount of water to it and bring to a boil.
- American nuts are poured into the resulting syrup and continue to cook until they acquire a black tint.
If necessary, you can add cinnamon or cloves to the finished jam. Pour into sterilized jars.
Contraindications to black walnut
In addition to its beneficial properties, American black walnut has a number of contraindications that must be taken into account first before you begin to introduce this product into your diet. If you approach this matter irresponsibly and do not pay due attention, then there is a possibility that significant harm will be caused to the body.
Among the contraindications it is worth noting the following:
- the permissible daily dosage of consumption of American nuts is a small handful of kernels, otherwise inflammation of the tonsils and vasospasm cannot be avoided;
- black walnut is an allergenic product, as a result of which its kernels should be consumed with extreme caution;
- It is not allowed to eat spoiled kernels, as there is a risk of getting food poisoning;
- mold on the nut can provoke the appearance of malignant cancer cells;
- if the product is subjected to heat treatment, many beneficial properties will be lost, while highly overcooked fruits can cause significant harm to health, especially affecting the liver;
- It is not recommended for use by people who are on a dietary diet.
In addition, this product should not be consumed by persons with the following diseases:
- intolerance of the body to certain substances;
- with peptic ulcer;
- if there is cirrhosis of the liver;
- with gastritis;
- during gestation;
- during the lactation period.
It is important to take into account that if you eat American nuts incorrectly, their properties will negatively affect the body, as a result of which you should follow all the recommendations and correctly introduce a new product into your diet.
Conclusion
The beneficial properties of black walnut and contraindications should be taken into account before you start consuming this product. Due to the large number of beneficial and medicinal properties, the kernels are used in folk medicine to treat many diseases; in addition, they are used for cooking and cosmetic purposes. In the process of consuming kernels, you should adhere to one important rule - everything should be in moderation.
