The FDA in a letter to Diamond Foods states:
"Based on claims made on your firm's website, we have determined that your walnut products are promoted for conditions that cause them to be drugs because these products are intended for use in the prevention, mitigation, and treatment of disease."
Just as medicinal marijuana is taking off, and attracting the disdain of authorities, comes walnuts. Walnuts to the rescue. You just don't smoke or snort these. You eat them. What are the benefits?
Examples include "OMEGA-3s ... Every time you munch a few walnuts, you're doing your body a big favor" since "studies indicate that the omega-3 fatty acids found in walnuts may help lower cholesterol; protect against heart disease, stroke and some cancers; ease arthritis and other inflammatory diseases; and even fight depression and other mental illnesses."
The FDA quibbles with some of the health claims made by Diamond Foods, on its website ad and packaging for "Diamond of California Shelled Walnuts," but agrees with others.
This news comes from Planet Green which has a link to the FDA letter, which declares that the company needs to procure an approved new drug application before making claims about the health benefits of walnuts.
The FDA goes as far as to threaten seizure of the ... nuts.
Walnuts are fabulous for vegetarian dishes as they contain healthy amounts of protein and are a great protein substitution.
Some veggie walnut recipes:
Pasta with Walnut Sauce
Walnut Stuffed Mushrooms
"I Want A New Drug" Huey Lewis