California Walnuts Seeks the Best Natural Ways to Defend the Human Body

FOLSOM, Calif., April 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- California Walnuts' 75 clinical studies demonstrating their wide range of health benefits in the areas of heart health, weight management, diabetes, cancer prevention[1] and cognitive function[2], make walnuts the natural defender of the human body. Now, California Walnuts is looking for people to share the original, natural ways they defend their body every day. The Natural Defenders Challenge, on the California Walnuts' Facebook page [http://fb.walnuts.org], is where people can submit their ideas for the challenge, view submissions, and vote for their favorite ideas. The person whose idea receives the most votes will enjoy a health club membership valued at  $1,200, while 5 runners up will receive a 5 pound bag of California Walnuts, the Natural Defenders of the Human Body. The winner will be announced on May 31, 2012.

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Leading health professionals, like Dr. Michael Roizen and Dr. Wendy Bazilian, believe that sharing tips and strategies for staying healthy and defending the body can help motivate others toward achieving health goals. Whether it's as simple as taking the stairs to the office or setting a long-term goal to run a marathon, California Walnuts is looking for top tips for protecting the body.

Dr. Michael Roizen, author of four number one New York Times bestsellers, including the YOU series co-authored with Dr. Oz, defends his body everyday with walnuts. "Eating a handful of walnuts a day is the delicious way I protect my heart. Walnuts are a very good source of antioxidants, vitamins, fiber, protein and the only nut providing a significant amount of omega-3 fatty acids (ALA).  People would be nuts not to include them in their diet."

Wendy Bazilian, DrPH, MA, RD, author of The SuperFoodsRx Diet: Lose Weight with the Power of SuperNutrients (2008), explains that her natural way of defending the body is through balance, "I work on maintaining balance — literally and figuratively — in my life. If I know I'm going to have some stress, I try to build in a few minutes of fun (or 'anti-stress') in my day. It doesn't take much — even a single 60-second breathing break can do wonders. If I eat something indulgent, I try to also enjoy something light — not to make up for anything wrong but to make both 'right' for my health. It's not about getting it perfect, but shooting for balance so life's realities are fun and also support my health."

The human body must defend itself against pollutants, free radicals and diseases every day. Protection starts with good nutrition. A daily handful of walnuts is a simple and effective way to stay healthy, with one ounce containing 4g of protein, 2.5g of omega-3 fatty acids (ALA)[3], almost twice as many antioxidants as any other nut[4] and naturally sodium-free. Visit Walnuts.org for healthy and delicious ways to defend your body and visit California Walnuts' Facebook page [http://fb.walnuts.org],  to share your favorite ideas for health.

The California walnut industry is made up of over 4,600 growers and over 70 handlers. The growers and handlers are represented by two entities, the California Walnut Board (CWB) and the California Walnut Commission (CWC).

California Walnut Board
The Walnut Marketing Board was established in 1948 to represent the walnut growers and handlers of California. In April 2008, the Walnut Marketing Board became the California Walnut Board to provide origin designation to the product it represents. The Board is funded by mandatory assessments of the handlers. The CWB is governed by a Federal Walnut Marketing Order. The Board promotes usage of walnuts in the United States through publicity and educational programs. The Board also provides funding for walnut production and post-harvest research.

California Walnut Commission
The California Walnut Commission, established in 1987, is funded by mandatory assessments of the growers. The Commission is an agency of the State of California that works in concurrence with the Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). The CWC is mainly involved in health research and export market development activities.

Non-Discrimination Statement
The California Walnut Board (CWB) and California Walnut Commission (CWC) prohibit discrimination in all programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance programs.  Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact the CWB / CWC offices at (916) 922-5888.  To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).  CWB/CWC is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

The California Walnut Board and Commission offices are located at 101 Parkshore Dr., Ste. #250, Folsom, CA 95630.

[1] Although these animal studies show great promise, further research is needed to confirm the underlying mechanisms and effects in humans.

[2] Although these animal studies show great promise, further research is needed to confirm the underlying mechanisms and effects in humans.

[3] One ounce of walnuts provides 18g of total fat, 2.5g of monounsaturated fat, 13 g of polyunsaturated fat, including 2.5 grams of alpha linolenic acid - the plant based omega-3; 2g of fiber; 4g of protein. (http://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/foods/show/3750)

[4] Vinson Joe.A, Cai Yuxing. Nuts, especially walnuts, have both antioxidant quantity and efficacy and exhibit significant potential health benefits. Food Funct., 2012, 3, 134

SOURCE California Walnut Board