California Walnuts' 75 clinical studies demonstrating their wide range of health benefits in the areas of heart health, weight management, diabetes, cancer prevention[1] and cognitive function[2], make walnuts the natural defender of the human body. Now, California Walnuts is looking for people to share the original, natural ways they defend their body every day. The Natural Defenders Challenge, on the California Walnuts' Facebook page [http://fb.walnuts.org], is where people can submit their ideas for the challenge, view submissions, and vote for their favorite ideas. The person whose idea receives the most votes will enjoy a health club membership valued at $1,200, while 5 runners up will receive a 5 pound bag of California Walnuts, the Natural Defenders of the Human Body. The winner will be announced on May 31, 2012.

Leading health professionals, like Dr. Michael Roizen and Dr. Wendy Bazilian, believe that sharing tips and strategies for staying healthy and defending the body can help motivate others toward achieving health goals. Whether it's as simple as taking the stairs to the office or setting a long-term goal to run a marathon, California Walnuts is looking for top tips for protecting the body.


Dr. Michael Roizen , author of four number one New York Times bestsellers, including the YOU series co-authored with Dr. Oz, defends his body everyday with walnuts. "Eating a handful of walnuts a day is the delicious way I protect my heart. Walnuts are a very good source of antioxidants, vitamins, fiber, protein and the only nut providing a significant amount of omega-3 fatty acids (ALA). People would be nuts not to include them in their diet."

Wendy Bazilian, DrPH, MA, RD, author of The SuperFoodsRx Diet: Lose Weight with the Power of SuperNutrients (2008), explains that her natural way of defending the body is through balance, "I work on maintaining balance — literally and figuratively — in my life. If I know I'm going to have some stress, I try to build in a few minutes of fun (or 'anti-stress') in my day. It doesn't take much — even a single 60-second breathing break can do wonders. If I eat something indulgent, I try to also enjoy something light — not to make up for anything wrong but to make both 'right' for my health. It's not about getting it perfect, but shooting for balance so life's realities are fun and also support my health."

The human body must defend itself against pollutants, free radicals and diseases every day. Protection starts with good nutrition. A daily handful of walnuts is a simple and effective way to stay healthy, with one ounce containing 4g of protein, 2.5g of omega-3 fatty acids (ALA)[3], almost twice as many antioxidants as any other nut[4] and naturally sodium-free. Visit Walnuts.org for healthy and delicious ways to defend your body and visit California Walnuts' Facebook page [http://fb.walnuts.org], to share your favorite ideas for health.

The California walnut industry is made up of over 4,600 growers and over 70 handlers. The growers and handlers are represented by two entities, the California Walnut Board (CWB) and the California Walnut Commission (CWC).

[1] Although these animal studies show great promise, further research is needed to confirm the underlying mechanisms and effects in humans.

[2] Although these animal studies show great promise, further research is needed to confirm the underlying mechanisms and effects in humans.

[3] One ounce of walnuts provides 18g of total fat, 2.5g of monounsaturated fat, 13 g of polyunsaturated fat, including 2.5 grams of alpha linolenic acid - the plant based omega-3; 2g of fiber; 4g of protein. (http://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/foods/show/3750)

[4] Vinson Joe.A, Cai Yuxing. Nuts, especially walnuts, have both antioxidant quantity and efficacy and exhibit significant potential health benefits. Food Funct., 2012, 3, 134