Excessive body weight is one of the strongest links between inflammation and disease. Abdominal obesity is a significant risk factor for inflammation. This is because fat, and especially abdominal fat, is metabolically-active tissue. It releases inflammatory molecules into the bloodstream, which travels to target organs like the heart. Walnuts are related to a range of anti-inflammatory properties, including powerful effects on the immune system. They are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, particularly alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), and other compounds like polyphenols and ellagitannins, that help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the body, lowering the risk of disease. According to the Arthritis Foundation, having walnuts can lead to a decrease in C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation, in the body.
