A medical expert in the Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Lagos, Dr Joy Odimegwu, has unveiled that walnuts possess the ability to alleviate feelings of anxiety and distress.
She made this known at the Soap Box Science 2023 Talk in Lagos.
The Talk, held via Zoom, centred around various topics including cancer prevention and formulation, pain relief, infection biology, foods as medicine, and nature conservation, provided an insightful platform for Dr. Odimegwu, to share her findings.
Odimegwu emphasised that walnuts stand out as a natural source of relief due to their rich content of omega-3 fatty acids. These essential nutrients have been scientifically linked to improved mood and cognitive function. Additionally, walnuts are a potent source of antioxidants, effectively safeguarding the brain from potential damage.
Highlighting an intriguing observation, Dr. Odimegwu noted: “The Doctrine of Signatures is manifested in walnuts, as their appearance mirrors the human brain within the skull. This resemblance holds significance, as walnuts contain vital compounds such as Omega 3, Omega 6, and melatonin, all contributing to the reduction of anxiety and distress.
Furthermore, Odimegwu stated that Omega-3 supplementation plays a pivotal role in mitigating the physiological response triggered by mental stressors.
She added: “Omega-3 supplementation prevents the adrenal activation elicited by mental stressors, leading to the mitigation of epinephrine and cortisol secretion and reduced adipose tissue lipolysis that is usually elevated with epinephrine secretion. Food is the best supplement for Omega 3 instead of capsules
Addressing the issue of mental health and stress, Dr. Odimegwu highlighted that stress affects individuals across all age groups, even including infants. She drew attention to Nigerian children born between 2019 and 2021, revealing that their early development had been influenced by the COVID-19 restrictions.
“Babies are stressed because their parents are stressed because of global economic upheaval, wars in Ukraine, possible war in Niger, so close to Nigeria. COVID 19 return, fuel price hike. The children born in 2019 to 2021 reach out for sanitizers when they go out because of COVID restrictions that affected their early development,” the pharmacognosist said.
Delving into nutritional aspects, Dr. Odimegwu highlighted the significance of certain vegetables as superfoods, enriched with nutrients and compounds that promote mental well-being. She emphasized the importance of proper preparation methods, pointing out that in some cultures, certain vegetables serve as flavorings or teas.
“So many vegetables are superfoods, nutrient-dense and also with compounds in them for great mental health. Way of preparation is very important. In some cultures. Some vegetables are used for flavouring and also as teas. We are not too familiar with teas in tropical Africa. This is the time to learn and swap plant food usage for greater well-being. Even within the same country… case of jute plant and ocimum.”
In particular, Dr. Odimegwu drew attention to the potential of kale and other cruciferous vegetables containing Diindolylmethane (DIM), a compound that modulates hormones like estrogen and testosterone. She also highlighted the versatile nature of the Ocimum plant (commonly known as basil), which acts as an adaptogen—supporting the body’s ability to cope with stress and maintain mental balance. Dr. Odimegwu encouraged exploring diverse ways of incorporating plant-based foods into diets for optimal mental health, including the adoption of tea consumption practices seen in other cultures.
Navigating the complexities of modern life, Dr Odimegwu’s insights underscore the importance of holistic approaches to mental well-being, drawing from the bounties of nature to find solace and balance in human lives.
