Easily found on the internet and with the promise of immediate weight loss, walnut is a substance that can end up bringing more harm than good for those who choose to consume it.
Prohibited in Brazil, the product can cause vomiting, diarrhea and in some cases tachycardia.
Are you curious to know more? Then check out the full article!
Contents
What is walnut?
Considered an exotic tree, the Indian nut is native to Indonesia, Malaysia and India, and its scientific name is Aleurites moluccana.
The use of its seed has been widely debated by scientists, since several sites claim slimming action. However, there are several references that indicate its toxicity, mainly in the fresh format .
More and more natural products are being used for weight loss, as well as India nut, a white seed, about the size of a grape .
This substance is easily found on the internet with the promise of quick weight loss, however, its consumption can cause serious risks or even lead to death.
Originally, walnut is used as a spice in meals. The cooking process removes the toxicity of the food, which adds flavor to the food.
However, this substance was banned in Brazil with the justification that, after the ingestion of only one seed, serious symptoms may occur, such as: dehydration, tachycardia, tachypnea (acceleration of respiratory rhythm) and increase in body temperature.
Thus, the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) prohibited any type of product containing Aleurites moluccana due to the high degree of complications.
Therefore, any product published on the internet should not be used and is irregular due to the decision of the Brazilian agency.
What is it for?
India nut is a plant that stands out for two factors: medicinal and culinary.
In Malaysia and Indonesia, walnut is commonly used to make sauces and condiments, since after cooking, the product loses its toxic properties.
Already here in Brazil, this substance became popular due to the promise of weight loss.
However, it is necessary to reaffirm that there is still no scientific support to prove that this plant is safe for daily consumption for weight loss purposes.
Read more: Tips to change habits and lose weight with health
Medicine
This plant is often used in medical treatments, such as: gonorrhea , headache , asthma , conjunctivitis , inflammation, fever , ulcers, among others.
In addition, a study carried out in Belgium has shown that plant extracts have antiviral (especially against the HIV virus ) and antibacterial (especially staphylococcus ) functions.
Cooking
Indian walnut is very widespread in Asian culture. Its use is made in the form of condiment to thicken broths and sauces, in Malaysian curry (a typical Asian region dish), in fried Siamese noodles and even in the preparation of pork.
properties
Some of the main properties of the walnut are vitamins , steroids, proteins , fibers and fats that are considered to be beneficial for health.
In addition, Indian walnut is known to contain minerals, such as: potassium, iron, zinc, selenium, magnesium, phosphorus and calcium (dominant substance).
Some research claims that Indian walnut is made up of approximately 50% unsaturated fat, that is, capable of reducing LDL levels, in addition to preventing blood clots responsible for heart attacks and strokes.
Vitamin B9
Also called folic acid , vitamin B9 acts on the maturation of red blood cells, which are red blood cells.
Its deficiency is related to anemia , poor digestion, skin problems and gout .
Stereois
They help in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, in addition to reducing cholesterol. They can be found in foods of plant origin, such as almonds, nuts, seeds, beans, vegetables, fruits and vegetables.
Flavonoids
Called bioactive compounds, flavonoids have an antioxidant effect. They can be found in vegetables and animal products. There are still no scientific studies that prove the benefits of these substances.
Protein
Proteins are formed by amino acids that can be divided into 2 groups: essential and non-essential.
In the first class are the amino acids that our bodies do not produce and need to remove from food. Non-essentials are produced by the body.
Together, they form proteins, which participate in numerous functions in the body.
Food fibers
Due to the fibers, the Indian nut assists in the digestion and evacuation process, reducing the chances of gastrointestinal cancer . In addition, it works by eliminating excess cholesterol from the body, mainly fatty acids (fat) harmful to the body.
Read more: Why eat vegetables?
Good fats
An interesting characteristic related to the walnut is its high content of polyunsaturated fats, better known as omega 3. The nutrient has anti-inflammatory properties.
Minerals
These are substances that our bodies cannot produce and, therefore, we need to acquire them through food.
They assist in metabolic processes, in conducting nerve impulses, in maintaining cellular activity, among other things.
What are the benefits?
This food promises to prevent anxiety , eliminate cellulite , reduce hunger and the desire to eat sweets, prolong the feeling of satiety, improve the quality of hair and skin, in addition to fighting hemorrhoids. However, none of these characteristics has scientific support for proof.
India walnut for weight loss
A myth has been created involving the walnut as ideal for rapid weight loss due to its laxative properties.
However, severe diarrhea can lead to severe dehydration, compromising kidneys, heartbeat, and causing loss of ions, sodium and potassium, elements that are essential for the body’s balance.
When losing fluid, the body has a false sensation of weight loss. However, the body is eliminating substances that aid in your well-being and health.
Recalling that there is no scientific evidence to affirm the effectiveness of the walnut in weight loss.
Read more: What makes weight loss difficult? 7 tips for healthy weight loss
How can I buy?
According to Anvisa, consumption in any form of presentation is prohibited, in addition to the dissemination of medicines and foods containing the substance.
Some dietary supplements have Indian walnuts in their composition and can be found on the internet.
However, it is worth emphasizing that “products called or made up of ‘India nut’ have been marketed and advertised irregularly. There was never any record at Anvisa of this input ”, says the National Agency.
Thus, the substance is contraindicated for use.
But, in other countries, it can be marketed as:
Capsules
Marketed in health food stores and food supplements, walnut can also be found in capsule form.
The average price varies according to the quantity, dosage and manufacturer. In addition, your daily intake amount will vary depending on the concentration of the capsules.
There is no registered product in Brazil containing Aleurites moluccana (walnut of India). Therefore, any product that is published on the internet related to this substance is irregular and should not be used.
Drops
It promises to eliminate localized fat, speed up metabolism, fight cellulite, reduce cholesterol levels, regulate the intestine, among other indications. In general, it is used twice a day, 30 drops in a glass of water.
Recalling that, in Brazil, no registered product contains Aleurites moluccanus (walnut of India). Therefore, we do not recommend the use of any product containing this substance.
Seed
There is also the third consumption option, which is made with fresh walnut. However, experts warn of the danger of consuming it in its natural form, since the substance is toxic and can cause undesirable side effects.
How to take
In Brazil, the consumption and trade of this substance is prohibited. However, some people use it in natura, which can cause all the symptoms mentioned above.
In Asia, however, the recommended way to use it is as a seasoning in typical foods. Indian walnut is a substance that, when boiled, loses its toxic characteristics and, therefore, in small quantities, remains released in some places.
It is common for people to add 1/8 of the seed in a little boiled water, leaving this mixture to infuse before ingesting, with the justification that toxic substances are eliminated.
Although there are people who recommend and / or make use of the nut of India, we do not advise anyone to make use of this substance.
Its make bad?
-Yeah . The consumption of Indian walnut, both in tea and seed versions, can generate serious side effects and its use is prohibited by Anvisa.
The reactions resulting from use are diverse, ranging from mild to extremely severe. Symptoms can be noticed between 20 to 40 minutes after eating the nut.
Read more: Thermogenic (natural, supplement): what it is, food, tea, female
What are the side effects of walnut?
There is a collective idea that Indian walnut, being natural, has no harmful properties. However, it is necessary to be aware that the information is false and its consumption can cause side effects, such as allergies, abdominal pain and diarrhea, especially if it is consumed incorrectly or in high amounts.
Therefore, it is important to remember the possible side effects of this substance.
Intense dehydration
The use of walnut can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and dryness of mucous membranes.
All of these associated symptoms can lead to hydroelectrolytic disorders, that is, severe dehydration. This fact can contribute to kidney damage (kidney damage) and altered cardiac functions.
Irritation and allergy
When chewing the seed core, which has saponins (toxalbumin) and phorbol, both toxic substances, lesions on the lips and mouth can occur.
In addition, consumption of the substance can cause skin allergies, causing itching, redness, rashes and peeling of the dermis.
Neurological pictures
The use of walnut can cause damage to sensory nerves, causing cramps in the neural muscles, paresthesia (lack of stimulation), tingling, headache and hyporeflexia (decrease in body reflexes).
Read more: Paresthesia: what is it?
Liver poisoning
Due to its laxative action, the consumption of walnut can cause electrolyte disturbances (mineral imbalance), which affects the functioning of the kidneys.
Thus, there are risks of developing hepatitis (inflammation of the kidney due to the elimination of important mineral salts) and in some cases even more severe even cirrhosis .
Contraindications
As mentioned earlier, Indian walnut is not recommended. However, its use is even more restricted and dangerous for pregnant women, nursing mothers and people with a history of kidney, liver and heart problems.
In addition, children, the elderly and people using continuous medications should also not use Indian walnuts for any purpose.
Differences between true and fake walnut
Some commercializations of the Indian nut end up being mistaken, since there is a seed that resembles it a lot, known as Napoleon’s Hat .
Walnut ( moluccanic aleurites) has laxative properties and is popularly known for its promise of rapid weight loss. There are places in the world that use it as a seasoning.
The “Napoleon Hat” ( Thevetia peruviana ), which is mistakenly marketed as Indian walnut, has all its toxic parts, from root to leaves.
This is because it has high concentrations of cardiotonic glycosides (a compound that acts directly on the myocardium), which can cause cardiac arrest, or even lead to death.
Other symptoms related to the consumption of this plant are: nausea, vomiting and muscle pain.
But the physical aspect can serve to differentiate them. This is because the seed of the napoleon hat is usually a little bigger and its bark is smooth. Already the Nut of India can be recognized by the hairy bark.
Common questions
Can walnut kill?
According to a survey by the University of Vila Velha (ES), due to the toxins present in the substance, complications can occur and, in more severe cases, death.
There have been reports of deaths and serious poisoning due to Indian walnuts in São Paulo, Goiás and Vitória.
Does walnut cause bloating?
There is no evidence linking the use of walnut with bloating. However, it is possible to notice kidney damage resulting from hydroelectrolytic disorders.
Still, it is necessary to reaffirm that there is no scientific support to prove the effectiveness of this plant for daily consumption for weight loss purposes.
Read more: Lymphatic drainage: benefits, price, in the postoperative period, do you lose weight?
India nut cuts the effect of the contraceptive?
It’s possible. The Indian nut often ends up deregulating the woman’s menstrual cycle, anticipating, delaying or simply changing the menstrual cycle.
Read more: Drug interaction: what cuts the contraceptive effect?
Although there are no specific studies on the effects and interaction with the pill, there are associated risks.
Indian walnut contains toxic substances and the side effects can be dangerous for those who risk using the product. To have a healthy life and ideal weight, try to have a balanced diet and practice physical exercises.
Share this article to let more people know about the risks of walnut and to keep an eye out for products like this!
Keep following our articles on food and well-being !
