Nuts are said to have a very positive effect on health, particularly by fighting against the onset of dementia in the elderly.
A Dutch study published in Clinical Nutrition revealed a fascinating discovery: regular consumption of nuts could help preserve our cognitive abilities. These nuts, already known for their cardiovascular benefits, could also play a crucial role in preventing age-related cognitive decline. The results are promising and could revolutionize our approach to brain health.
The benefits of nuts for the brain: a hidden treasure on our plates
Dutch researchers(1) followed 28 healthy people aged 65 over a period of 16 weeks. Their objective was to analyze the effects of daily consumption of 60 grams of nuts on the cognitive functions of the participants. The results are clear: those who ate nuts saw their verbal memory increase by 16%. Additionally, their arterial flexibility improved, promoting better blood circulation, including in the small vessels of the eyes, an important indicator of cognitive health.
Dani Felber, a dietitian expert in brain health, explains that “our brains are particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress, a process that gradually destroys brain cells and can lead to loss of memory and cognitive functions. » The antioxidants present in nuts, such as vitamin E and polyphenols, help combat this oxidative stress. It is partly thanks to their richness in omega-3 fatty acids, which promote neuronal communication, that walnuts offer such support for cognitive health.
Incorporate a handful of nuts in your daily diet can be done effortlessly. For breakfast, they go perfectly with cereals or yogurt. As a snack, they offer a healthy alternative to sugary snacks. You can also add them to your salads for a crunchy and nutritious touch or use them in your desserts for a gourmet touch.
Eat nuts in the evening : many unsuspected benefits
Nuts and dementia prevention: towards a new approach to brain health
The prevention of dementia, and particularly Alzheimer’s disease, is a priority in the field of public health. According to the World Health Organization, these disorders currently affect 55 million people worldwide. A study of the UK Biobank analyzed the eating habits of more than 50,000 participants, and the results showed that a handful of nuts (28 grams) consumed each day could reduce the risk of dementia by 12%.
The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of nuts play an essential role in this prevention. By limiting damage caused by free radicals and inflammation, two processes associated with cognitive decline, nuts help protect the brain from changes linked to aging.
Nutritional composition of nuts and their effects on brain health:
- Nutrition – Main effect on brain health
- Vitamins E -Protects brain cells against oxidative stress
- Polyphenols – Reduces inflammation and protects neuronal cells
- Omega-3 – Promotes communication between neurons
- Magnesium – Improves nerve connections and signal transmission
- Copper – Participates in the transmission of signals between neurons
These elements make nuts a food of choice for those wishing to protect their memory and maintain their cognitive abilities as they age.
Almonds, nuts, seeds & more – fantastic health benefits!
Of CLAUDE AUBERT
A detailed description and 200 recipes for adding nuts and others to our daily diet.
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Written by Paolo Garoscio
After his Master of Philosophy, Paolo Garoscio turned to communication and journalism. He joined the EconomieMatin team in 2013.
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