Why Kashmiri Walnuts Are a Winter Superfood According to Ayurveda

The winter season presents the body with special needs. When the ambient temperature is low, digestion gets prioritized, the joints are less flexible, the skin is more prone to cracking and the immunity needs to be fortified. The ancient Indian science of Ayurveda refers to the condition of the body during winter in another branch called Ritucharya or seasonal nutrition. The earth is freezing and the weather becomes extreme, so our diet should be different, accordingly. The Kashmiri walnut with its unique characteristics is one of the dry fruits that can provide quick warmth and vitality to the consumers. 

Kashmiri walnuts are full of healthy oils, have a warming nature and strength-building properties. This dry fruit enhances immunity, brain health and joint flexibility. Besides, their Himalayan origin makes them exceptional for their high nutritional value and Ayurvedic property that supports an energetic lifestyle, especially during winter.

Why Are Kashmiri Walnuts Considered a Winter Superfood

In Ayurveda, Kashmiri walnuts are regarded as a winter superfood, thanks to their warm nature (Ushna), high contents of good fats, immunity booster, and brain and nervous system supporters. They balance Vata dosha, increase physical power, and give long-lasting energy during chilly months. The Himalayan origin of Kashmiri walnuts results in their outstanding quality and Ayurvedic strength.

What Ayurveda Says About Winter Nutrition?

According to Ayurvedic tradition, the two seasons of winter (called Hemant and Shishir Ritu) correspond with the period of time when our earth experiences the most extreme effects of weather that are considered cold, dry and heavy. Vata dosha reaches its peak during the Hemant and Shishir seasons. At the same time, Agni (the fire of digestion) becomes an extremely strong element during this season. Because of this, Snigdha (unctuous), Guru (nutrient) and Ushna (warming) foods are extremely important to maintain balance within the body during this time period. Kashmiri walnuts are one of the best dry fruits for this purpose and are therefore referred to as "the perfect winter food".

Why Walnuts Are Good for Winter in Ayurveda?

Ayurveda classifies walnuts into two categories namely Balya (strength-giving) and Medhya (brain-nourishing) foods. The natural oils in the walnuts will help to overcome dryness, and their warming potency will support the blood circulation and digestion.

In winter, walnuts have always been regarded as a beneficial healthy food that will:

1)  Enhance Ojas and improve immunity
2)  Support joint lubrication and flexibility

3)  Nourish our nervous system and enhance mental clarity

4)  Increase endurance and stamina during cold months

Thus, owing to the many health benefits, walnuts are a seasonal superfood. But not all walnuts have the same nutritional value. Regular walnuts are far below the pedestal of Kashmiri walnuts or Kashmiri Akhrots.

The Nutrient Profile Of Kashmiri Walnuts

Kashmiri walnuts are naturally rich in essential nutrients for the body needed during the winter season. They have:

1) fatty acids omega-3 to maintain the health of both heart and brain, 2) strength-giving plant protein,
3) fiber to help swallow food with less effort,
4) vitamin E that protects the skin from spots and itchiness,

5) mineral intake including magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and copper for good bone and blood sugar health,
6) availability of antioxidants for the body’s defense against infections and inflammation, and 7) amino acids that are vital for the repairing of tissues and maintenance of heart health.

What sets apart Kashmiri walnuts from standard and imported walnuts is the fact that they contain more natural oil which not only makes them sweeter but also richer in MUFA. Thus, they have an even higher impact against dryness and exhaustion, or discomfort caused by the cold.

Health Benefits of Kashmiri Walnuts in Winter

Promotes Seasonal Immunity: Kashmiri walnuts, when consumed in moderate amounts, are very helpful in improving seasonal immunity. The ojas (the principle of immunity and resistance) within the body develops and the chance of acquiring certain winter diseases gets eliminated.

Helps to Keep The Body Warm: The Kashmiri walnuts will keep the body warm by providing the nature's heat and they will also improve blood circulation, which is very necessary during winter.

Nourishes The Brain and Nervous System: They not only keep the body warm but they also make the brain and the nervous system very healthy. They are very rich in omega-3 fatty acids that are very important for the brain. Omega-3 fatty acids also give the brain energy and make it stronger. This is essential during the winter months when one has to remain active.

Promotes Joint & Bone Health: The Kashmir walnuts have the potential to drive away common winter ailments and thus be a source of health for the joints and bones. The whole nuts are loaded with omega-3 and other essential nutrients that the body requires. They reduce inflammation around the joints and dryness. Vata dosha is the cause of most of the winter ailments and consuming Kashmiri walnuts will help you get rid of them.

Energy-Giving Foods: Along with their high fat content, walnuts can give a steady and long-lasting energy that will help you overcome winter fatigue. In addition, they will not cause blood sugar to rise.

How Does the Place of Origin Affect The Quality of Walnuts

Not all walnuts are the same. Ayurveda holds that the location of a plant significantly affects its power. It prevails in the saying "Desha" or "geographical suitability." The fruits that are perfectly adapted to their ecological conditions will have much more life force and medicinal value than those that are brought in from far or grown in different climates.

Why Kashmiri Walnuts Are Superior?

Kashmir has a unique natural environment:

1)  Cold winters and moderate summers

2)  Pollution-free clean air and water

3)  Natural nuts coming from the wild trees

4)  Himalayan soil with a high content of essential minerals

5)  No high-heat treatment or chemical processing

So the Kashmiri walnuts are native, naturally growing in wild trees. These circumstances induce the following benefits in the Kashmiri walnut :

1)  Higher in nutritional value

2)  Good fats (MUFA)

3)  Denser and richer in essential oils for the body

4)  More flavourful and slightly bitter-sweet (a sign of potency in Ayurveda)

5)  Naturally grown in wild trees

Kashmiri walnuts, which are truly original, are completely different from regular or imported nuts. They keep their life force, as per Ayurveda. These trees take their time to grow, get plenty of nutrients from the pristine soil, produce lots of natural oils, and have a richer taste. The dry fruits that are grown naturally are not subjected to any processing methods involving high heat or chemicals like the nuts of the commercial industry. The delicate fat content of the walnuts is allowed to remain thus preserving the essential nutrients the body requires and promoting good health.

The native, wild Kashmiri walnuts have the highest oil content which directly translates to their naturally sweet and rich flavor which in turn is also the reason for their being a very rich source of good fats like MUFA (monounsaturated fats), essential amino acids, and omega-3 fatty acids. These oils are categorized as healthy ones and thus boost immunity, brain function, heart health, and at the same time reduce inflammation.

On the contrary, commercial or industry-produced walnuts undergo high heating and chemical treatment. In the process, they lose all of the protective oils and vitality that are naturally theirs. The result is both a degraded diet and a diminished therapeutic value from an Ayurvedic perspective. These regular walnuts may look the same as Kashmiri walnuts, but are drier, less flavourful, and have diminished nutritional value.

The Key Differences between Kashmiri Walnuts and Ordinary Walnuts Explained

Kashmiri walnuts are predominantly grown in the Himalayas' coldest regions, thus, higher oil content is their characteristic, which in turn leads to more flavor and more Ayurvedic effectiveness. On the other hand, the regular walnuts that do not grow under such natural conditions in different places are processed, which is the reason their natural oils and therapeutic function are less potent than they should be. Imported walnuts are usually treated with chemicals.

The different origins have a direct influence on the taste, the texture, and the nutritional value. Therefore, if you are planning to buy walnuts for winter consumption, Kashmiri walnuts will be the best option.

How to Eat Kashmiri Walnuts in Winter According to Ayurveda?

Ayurveda is not only about “what” you eat, but also about “how” you eat. One should eat walnuts carefully for maximum benefit.

How To Eat:

1)  Eat a handful of the Kashmiri walnuts on an empty stomach.

2)  Can be mixed with soaked raisins or almonds,

3)  For strength and vitality, consume the Kashmiri walnuts with warm milk.

The combination of walnuts, warm milk, soaked almonds, and raisins is one of the most delightful flavors, particularly in winter. Normally, it is recommended to have a fistful of Kashmiri walnuts at breakfast.

Why You Should Buy Authentic Kashmiri Walnuts/ Akhrot from Kisaansay

What makes us unique from any other brand offering dry fruits is that Kisaansay is the only brand that brings you the original and native Kashmiri walnuts right from the wild trees, which are then naturally-dried and vacuum packed at source.

Ayurveda considered both the authentication and source of a food as equally important. Kisaansay strives for the perfect Kashmir walnut which is the finest and naturally grown in the wild trees, thus, all its natural oils and flavors are preserved. Being an authentic source of Ayurvedic food, Kisaansay makes sure that the consumers get the walnuts which are the nearest to their original form.

Conclusion

According to Ayurveda, Kashmiri walnuts can be considered as the best winter food. They are good at driving away the cold and at the same time, nourishing the body due to their warm nature, healthy fats, and immunity-boosting properties. Eating them will keep you balanced, alive and strong during the winter.

FAQs

1) Why are Kashmiri walnuts better for winter?
Their natural warming effect and richness in healthy oils help balance Vata dosha during cold weather.

2) In Ayurveda, what are the benefits of eating Kashmiri walnuts every day?
Ayurveda recommends consuming a handful of walnuts in winter for immunity and strength.

3) How many walnuts should one eat in a day?
Two to four walnuts, soaked in water, are recommended per day.

4) Which is better: Kashmiri walnuts or imported walnuts?
Kashmiri walnuts are better owing to their Himalayan origin, which contributes to higher nutritional density, more healthy oil content, good fats (MUFA) and Ayurvedic potency.

5) Do Kashmiri walnuts keep the body warm?
When eaten in excess, they can increase body heat. So consumption should be moderate.

6) Are walnuts safe for children?
Yes. When consumed in small amounts by children, they help to develop intelligence and immunity.