As nuts go they are not my favorite. I am not alone in that sentiment. Andrew Zimmern the host of TV's Bizarre Foods isn't a fan of them either and he eats things that even a Cajun would throw away. I am talking about walnuts. They have a very distinct flavor and you either like them or you don't. I fall into the don't category.

I might have to rethink my stance on walnuts though. An LSU Health New Orleans study seems to indicate that walnuts help the body by boosting the growth of healthy bacteria in the digestive tract. Certain kinds of bacteria in the digestive tract are a good thing and the bigger variety of them that you have then the better the possibility of a positive health outcome for you.

The study doesn't suggest that you run out and start scarfing down walnuts like a squirrel in October. Instead, the study suggests that those who have more walnuts in their diet tend to eat healthier. Hence the lack of walnuts in barbeque ribs, fried catfish, and cheesecake.

I guess what the study is suggesting is this. If you are going to attempt to eat a healthier diet then adding walnuts wouldn't be a bad idea. The fiber in the nuts provides fodder for the digestive bacteria and that could help you feel a lot better in a lot of different ways.

More From Talk Radio 960 AM