On July 17, U.S. Agricultural Trade Office (ATO) Deputy Director Evan Mangino provided welcoming remarks at a tasting seminar extolling the health benefits of California walnuts. In addition to a wide variety of recipes featuring walnuts, including particularly brain-healthy bread (pictured here), health journalist Masahisa Yamada gave a keynote presentation on the benefits of the essential Omega- 3 fatty acid alpha-linoleic acid (ALA). Walnuts are the only nuts to have high levels of ALA, which studies have shown to promote healthy brain functioning and combat the effects of aging on neuroplasticity.