Glazed walnuts are crunchy and sweet treats that are perfect for snacking or adding to salads and desserts. A single serving of 3 tbsp (30 g) of glazed walnuts contains around 190 calories, which makes them a high-calorie food but also packed with a lot of essential nutrients.
To know more about the nutritional value of glazed walnuts, they are an excellent source of healthy fats, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals, including omega-3 fatty acids, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus.
In this article, we'll dive into the benefits of glazed walnuts, how to incorporate them into your diet, and how to make them at home while also discussing some alternatives to glazed walnuts.
What are Glazed Walnuts?
Glazed walnuts are regular walnuts that have been roasted and coated with sugar or syrup, giving them a shiny and crispy texture. The glaze is usually made of a mixture of sugar, water, vanilla extract, and sometimes cinnamon and other spices. Glazed walnuts are a popular snack food and a common ingredient in many baked goods, including cakes, muffins, and cookies. They add a sweet and nutty flavor to any dish and are incredibly versatile in their use.
How Many Calories are in Glazed Walnuts?
A single serving of 3 tbsp (30 g) of glazed walnuts contains around 190 calories. This makes them a high-calorie food, and it's essential to consume them in moderation if you're watching your calorie intake. However, glazed walnuts are still a nutritious food that provides many health benefits due to their high nutrient density.
Glazed walnuts are an excellent source of healthy fats, including polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. They are also packed with fiber and provide essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin E, B vitamins, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus. Consuming glazed walnuts regularly may help improve heart health, lower cholesterol levels, promote healthy digestion, and prevent chronic diseases such as diabetes and cancer.
What are the Health Benefits of Glazed Walnuts?
Glazed walnuts offer many health benefits due to their high nutrient density. They are an excellent source of healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties and are beneficial for heart health. The high fiber content in glazed walnuts may help improve digestion, lower cholesterol levels, and promote satiety. Eating glazed walnuts regularly may also help prevent chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cancer. Vitamin E, which is abundant in glazed walnuts, is an antioxidant that protects cells from damage caused by free radicals.
How to Incorporate Glazed Walnuts into your Diet?
Glazed walnuts are a nutritious and flavorful ingredient that can be incorporated into many meals and snacks. Here are some ideas for incorporating glazed walnuts into your diet: - Adding glazed walnuts to your favorite salad for a sweet and crunchy topping. - Sprinkling glazed walnuts on top of a bowl of oatmeal or yogurt for a filling and nutritious breakfast.
Are there any Side Effects of Consuming Glazed Walnuts?
While glazed walnuts are a healthy food that provides many health benefits, consuming too many glazed walnuts may lead to weight gain due to their high calorie and sugar content. It's also essential to be cautious if you have a nut allergy or other medical conditions that limit your consumption of walnuts.
How to Make Glazed Walnuts at Home?
Making glazed walnuts at home is easy and only requires a few ingredients. Here's a simple recipe for making glazed walnuts at home: - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread 2 cups of walnuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast the walnuts for about 8-10 minutes or until fragrant and slightly golden. - In a separate saucepan, combine 1/2 cup of sugar, 1/4 cup of water, and 1 tsp of vanilla extract. Heat the mixture over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a boil.
Where to Buy Glazed Walnuts?
Glazed walnuts are available at many grocery stores, health food stores, and online retailers. Look for glazed walnuts that are made with natural ingredients and do not contain any artificial flavors or preservatives.
How to Store Glazed Walnuts?
Store glazed walnuts in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to prevent them from getting stale or soft. They can be stored at room temperature for up to a week or in the refrigerator for up to a month.
What are Some Alternatives to Glazed Walnuts?
If you don't have glazed walnuts, there are many other nuts and seeds that you can use as an alternative. Almonds, pecans, and cashews are all great options that are high in healthy fats and protein. You can also use pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for a plant-based alternative.
Eating glazed walnuts regularly may help prevent chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cancer.
FAQs about Glazed Walnuts
1. What are glazed walnuts?
Glazed walnuts are walnuts that have been coated in a sweet mixture of sugar and water and then baked until crispy. They are often used as a topping in salads or desserts.
2. How many calories are in glazed walnuts?
There are approximately 190 calories in 3 tablespoons (30g) of glazed walnuts. This makes them a relatively high calorie snack or topping, so they should be consumed in moderation if you are watching your calorie intake.
3. Are glazed walnuts healthy?
While walnuts do have some health benefits, such as being high in omega-3 fatty acids, the sugar and cooking process used to make glazed walnuts can reduce their overall nutritional value. Eating them in moderation as a treat rather than a staple in your diet is recommended.
4. Can glazed walnuts be made at home?
Yes, glazed walnuts can easily be made at home with just a few simple ingredients. There are many recipes and variations available online to suit different dietary needs and preferences.
5. What dishes can glazed walnuts be used in?
Glazed walnuts can be used as a topping for salads, oatmeal, yogurt, or ice cream. They can also be used as an ingredient in cakes, muffins, and other baked goods to add a sweet crunch.