How Walnuts Lower 'Bad' Cholesterol
Walnuts directly impact your lipid profile through a triple-action mechanism. First, they are extremely rich in polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs) and Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA). When these replace saturated fats in your diet, your liver naturally produces less low-density lipoprotein (LDL).
Second, walnuts contain high levels of phytosterols (plant sterols). Because phytosterols are structurally similar to cholesterol, they compete with it for absorption in the digestive tract. The body absorbs the plant sterols instead, and the bad cholesterol is excreted as waste.
Finally, the endothelial function (the lining of your blood vessels) is vastly improved by the L-arginine found in walnuts, keeping blood vessels flexible and preventing the hardening of arteries.
