Walnuts are categorized under the nuts and fruits family. They are single seeded stone fruits emerging in the walnut tree. The fruit is contained inside a hard shell, which covers whole of the dried fruit substance. The husk also acts as a protective agent to the fruit.
The kernels of walnut bears a close resemblance to that of human brain. This is not the sole reason behind walnuts to be called as a symbol of intellectuality. Though it looks similar to that of brain, it is indeed having many such nutritional components which proves to be necessary for overall health such as omega 3 fatty acids.
These deciduous trees are mostly found in the regions of Central Asia and European region.
Walnuts have got a whitish and flaky, sometimes a waxy coating, that appears as the covering. Most of the antioxidants are present in this particular outer skin of the fruit.
 
There are about top 7 reasons which explains as to why walnuts prove to be healthy for consumption:
1. Cancer-fighting properties:
consumption of walnuts may help reduce the chances of developing cancers such as breast cancer, prostrate cancer, etc. a test was conducted on mice to check the impact of consumption. Mice which were made to eat walnuts had lesser chances of tumorous growth than that of those which did not consume walnuts. 30 to 40 percent of prostrate cancer can be tackled with the consumption of a whole walnut diet. Eating a handful of them reduces the risk of occurrence of breast cancer too.

2. For a healthy heart:
For people who have high risk of getting diseases and who have undergone heart attacks are recommended to include walnuts in their diet. As, it contains amino acid l-arginine which consists of varied vascular benefits to those having heart ailments.
There are certain anti-inflammatory agents called 'alpha-linolenic acid(ALA)' which are present in walnuts. They are helpful in preventing blood clots formed by pathogens.
Daily intake of about one ounce(a handful) of walnut will significantly lessen the risk of deaths due to cardiovascular diseases.

3. For controlling weight:
Any such nuts, not only walnuts but other such nutritious nuts item would always help you to be in shape. They would always make you feel fuller by drawing a control on your appetite. Ultimately, Eating less would give rise to less fat accumulation in body.

4. For hair growth:
Walnuts improve hair growth. It's consumption and also the oil which contains the essence of walnut could be really good for proper hair growth and reduces hair fall.

5. At the time of pregnancy:
There are not much research studies available which shows that walnuts are beneficial for pregnant women. But having these nuts would help control nausea to a great extent at the time of pregnancy.
It would boost up the brain development in the child. It also keeps away all allergic diseases too in growing children.

6. Helps you sleep:
A hormone called melatonin helps induce sleep. This hormone is abundantly found in walnuts. So it would help you in great deal if consumed just before going to bed for a sleep.
7. It helps combat stress:
Studies have proven that walnuts would help you handle with stress by lowering blood pressure and makes you feel relaxed. They are also rich source of fiber. Thus helps fight constipation and related ill health conditions.