Black walnuts are not a good source of sugars. While they do contain naturally-occurring sugars, the amount is very low compared to other sources of sugar such as fruits or honey. The main nutritional benefits associated with black walnuts come from their high content of healthy fat, protein, and some minerals. Additionally, black walnuts are a rich source of antioxidants which can help protect against oxidative stress and chronic diseases. Therefore, if looking for an alternative sweetener, it would be more beneficial to turn to other sources such as fruit or natural sweeteners like honey.
Carbohydrates are an essential element of biochemistry, providing energy, structure and other vital functions to plants and animals. One particular carbohydrate-containing species is the black walnut (Juglans nigra). This tree species is native to eastern North America and has been long-valued for its wood and nuts, which include a variety of carbohydrates in their nutritional makeup. It is important to recognize the types of carbohydrates present in black walnuts in order to properly utilize the dietary benefits they offer.
One major component of carbohydrates in black walnuts are sugars. The primary sugar found in these nuts is sucrose, though other sugar sources such as dextrose, glucoes, and fructose play lesser roles as well. Across different varieties of black walnut, levels of sugar presence can vary significantly; some cultivars may contain as much as 10-13 grams of sugar per 100g weight. Added sugar intake is often associated with health risks and so it is advised that unsweetened forms of black walnuts be consumed whenever possible.
The second type of carbohydrate found in black walnuts is starch. Starch is composed of two chemical structures, amylose and amylopectin, which exist respectively in varying amounts amongst different foods. Black walnuts contain substantial quantities of both amylose and amylopectin, making up 2.5-3% of their dry weight. Starch plays a key role in assisting with digestion and providing a steady flow of energy throughout the day, thus making it a valuable addition to one’s diet.
A third notable class of carbohydrates visible within black walnuts are the oligosaccharides. These compounds differ from monosaccharides and disaccharides in that they contain more than two sugar ‘units’ and possess distinct branched chain shapes. The oligosaccharide content of black walnuts promotes prebiotic environment within the gut where beneficial bacteria can flourish and help improve overall digestive performance. In comparison to starches and sugars, however, oligosaccharides play a minor part in the overall composition of black walnuts.
The final type of carbohydrate to discuss is fiber. Fiber exists solely within plant products and comes in a variety insoluble or soluble configurations. Analysis shows that most of the fiber in black walnuts is of the insoluble form, implying that ingestion of these nuts confers improved passage through the digestive tract without excessive water uptake. Even beyond this, fiber intakes have been linked to various metabolic benefits including reduced cholesterol and better blood glucose control.
In synthesis, there are four main classes of carbohydrates readily available inside of black walnuts: sugars, starches, oligosaccharides, and fibers. Each contributes a unique function biologically and nutritionally, allowing humans to benefit from positive associations knowing how to administer and sequence the consumption of black walnuts with other foods choices. With the knowledge of how each form of carbohydrate contributes to the system, individuals seeking to optimize potential health outcomes can do so more effectively when incorporating black walnuts into their diets.
Palmitic acid (16:0) | 1.93 grams |
Daily Value ug
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Stearic acid (18:0) | 1.55 grams |
Daily Value ug
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Palmitoleic acid (16:1) | 0.04 grams |
Daily Value ug
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Oleic acid (18:1) | 15.13 grams |
Daily Value ug
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Gadoleic acid (20:1) | 0.27 grams |
Daily Value ug
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Linoleic acid (18:2) | 33.76 grams |
Daily Value ug
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Linolenic acid (18:3) | 2.68 grams |
Daily Value ug
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Omega-3 Alpha-linolenic acid (18:3) | 2.68 grams |
Daily Value ug
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Campesterol | 0.01 grams |
Daily Value ug
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Beta-sitosterol | 0.12 grams |
Daily Value ug
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