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What Is Inflammation?

Inflammation is a natural immune response to a stressor in the body, such as injury, infection, sickness, or potentially harmful substances. It’s often assumed that all inflammation is bad, but the body’s inflammatory response is protective in many cases. For example, when an injury occurs, the body’s healing and recovery process requires an inflammatory response that includes redness and/or swelling. This is known as acute inflammation. Even regular exercise, such as lifting weights, causes inflammation in the body to help repair the muscles post-exercise.

However, some inflammation is beneficial to help the body repair itself, but more chronic inflammation can be harmful to the body. Chronic inflammation has been linked to the development of chronic diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. This longer-term inflammatory process may happen when the immune system is continuously defending against an ongoing threat. Some contributors to chronic inflammation include environmental factors such as pollution, untreated infections, and lifestyle factors like smoking and excessive alcohol use.

What to Look For in an Anti-Inflammatory Food

Diet plays an important role in the inflammatory response. Some foods are anti-inflammatory, while others contribute to inflammation. A diet rich in inflammation-fighting nutrients, like unsaturated fats, antioxidants, and fiber, is essential. You can get these anti-inflammatory nutrients from fruits, vegetables, nuts, fish, olive oil, and chia, flax, and hemp seeds.

It can also be helpful to know which foods contribute to inflammation so they can be avoided. A diet high in ultraprocessed foods is a contributor to inflammation. Ultraprocessed foods are often high in sodium, saturated fat, and added sugars, which are nutrients that can increase the risk of inflammation if consumed in excess. This category includes things like sugar-sweetened beverages, fried foods, refined carbohydrates, and processed meats.

The #1 Anti-Inflammatory Nut at Costco

Thanks to their healthy fats and fiber, walnuts top the list for the #1 anti-inflammatory nut at Costco. Kirkland’s Signature Walnut Halves are available in an extra-large, 3-pound bag, which provides 45 quarter-cup servings. Each serving contains 2 grams of fiber and 5 grams of protein.

These versatile nuts deliver beneficial unsaturated fats, including alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid found in plants. Eating more healthy fats from nuts and seeds can help reduce inflammation. Research has found that eating a diet that includes walnuts is associated with reduced inflammatory markers. Additionally, promising research suggests that eating walnuts as part of a nutrient-dense diet may also be beneficial for brain health. However, more study is needed.

Tips for Enjoying Walnuts

Walnuts are one of our favorite pantry staples because of their health benefits and versatility. You can easily add them to sweet or savory dishes, including baked goods, trail mixes, and salads, or enjoy them as a snack. Walnuts also make a delicious addition to plant-based dishes and can even stand in as a meat alternative in recipes.

The Bottom Line

If fighting inflammation is a goal, stocking up on anti-inflammatory pantry staples is a great place to start. Next time you’re at Costco, don’t forget to toss a bag of Kirkland Signature Walnut Halves into your cart. But don’t stop there. Load up on a wide variety of anti-inflammatory nuts and seeds for healthy, flavorful meals and snacks.

Conclusion
Eating a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods can have multiple health benefits. By incorporating walnuts into your diet, you’re not only getting a dose of healthy fats and fiber, but you’re also supporting your overall health and wellbeing.

FAQs

Q: What is the #1 anti-inflammatory nut at Costco?
A: According to our research, Kirkland’s Signature Walnut Halves are the #1 anti-inflammatory nut at Costco.

Q: What are the health benefits of walnuts?
A: Walnuts are a rich source of healthy fats, fiber, and protein. They also contain anti-inflammatory compounds and may help reduce inflammation.

Q: Can I eat walnuts as a snack?
A: Yes, walnuts make a great snack on their own or can be added to trail mixes and other recipes.

Q: Are walnuts a good source of protein?
A: Yes, one serving of Kirkland’s Signature Walnut Halves contains 5 grams of protein.

Q: Can I use walnuts as a meat alternative in recipes?
A: Yes, walnuts can be used as a meat alternative in plant-based recipes. They can also be used to add texture and flavor to salads and other dishes.