ITV's Dr Amir Khan says eating one simple food daily can 'protect your brain'

By Katie-Ann Gupwell, Senior Social News Reporter

Walnuts boast a number of health benefits (Image: Getty)

A doctor has urged Brits to include one simple food in their diet due to the numerous health benefits, which include reducing inflammation and helping to keep hearts healthy.

According to ITV's Dr Amir Khan, walnuts are packed full of antioxidants, more so than any other common nut, and contain a number of vitamins and compounds that help to reduce damage to DNA and lower blood pressure.

The TV doctor revealed that he has a handful of walnuts daily, due to the fact they contain Omega-3, which is essential for keeping hearts healthy.

The health benefits of walnuts were shared on the doctor's social media, where he explained that the body is unable to produce the alpha-linolinic acid, a type of Omega-3, and therefore it must be consumed through diet.

Dr Amir Khan stated: "Walnuts also have more Omega-3 fats that any other nut. The Omega-3 in walnuts is called alpha-linolinic acid, and it is something your body needs but can't make itself, so you have to get it from your diet."

He added: "It can help keep your heart healthy, and reduce blood pressure, and is essential for human growth and development. Eating walnuts not only nourishes you, but also nourishes the beneficial bacteria that live inside your gut.

"This promotes the health of your gut, and may also help reduce disease risk. Walnuts contain nutrients that may help protect your brain from damaging inflammation and support good brain function as you age.

"Regularly eating walnuts has been consistently shown to decrease harmful cholesterol. So go on, add some walnuts to your diet today."

The video has since gone  viral, racking up thousands of views and sparking a flurry of comments. Many viewers confessed their love for daily walnut consumption, while others wished they were more palatable.

If you're keen to join the trend, Holland and Barrett offer a bag of walnuts for a mere £2.50. Not an overly-expensive way to boost your health.

One viewer shared: "I eat 30g of walnuts every day with 85% dark chocolate. Perfect combo!"

Another enthused: "Love watching your videos, so informative!" A third chimed in with: "I love walnuts."

However, not everyone was thrilled, with one person asking: "Why do all the most nutritious things taste awful?"