Walnuts Contain Highest Antioxidant Levels Among Nuts

SCRANTON, Pa.New research published in the journal of Food and Function reveals walnuts have the highest content, quality and potency of antioxidants among other nuts.

Researchers at the University of Scranton analyzed free and total (after basic hydrolysis) polyphenols in nine types of raw and roasted nuts and two types of peanut butter (54 commercial samples) after methanol extraction using catechin as standard. Walnuts had the highest free and total polyphenols in both the combined raw and roasted samples. Total polyphenols in the nuts were significantly higher than free polyphenols. Roasting had little effect on either free or total polyphenols in nuts. Raw and roasted walnuts had the highest total polyphenols.

In addition to providing fiber, high-quality protein, and an excellent source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), our research shows that an ounce of walnuts has more antioxidants than the daily sum of what the average person gets from fruits and vegetables," said lead researcher Joseph Vinson.