New research from the Netherlands suggests that a simple, affordable snack enjoyed at sporting events could be a powerful tool for enhancing brain function in later life. A 16-week clinical trial has found that eating a daily portion of peanuts significantly improved memory and increased blood flow to the brain in healthy older adults.
The Nutty Findings: A Boost for Brain and Memory
Doctors at Maastricht University Medical Center discovered that consuming approximately 60 unsalted, skin-roasted peanuts each day over four months led to measurable cognitive benefits. The study, involving 31 participants aged between 60 and 75, recorded a 3.6 percent increase in global cerebral blood flow and a 5.8 percent improvement in memory function.
Dr. Peter Joris, an associate professor at the university’s Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences, explained the significance. "Cerebral blood flow is an important physiological marker of brain vascular function," he stated. "It delivers the oxygen and nutrients essential for maintaining brain health. Our findings suggest an overall enhancement in brain vascular function from longer-term peanut consumption."
How the Groundbreaking Study Was Conducted
The research, whose results were announced earlier this month, was meticulously controlled. Participants were recruited via advertisements and visited the university clinic at the start, middle, and end of the study for blood tests, blood pressure checks, and weight measurements. They were required to abstain from other nuts, alcohol, and strenuous exercise before each visit and fast overnight.
Cognitive performance was assessed using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery computer test, while MRI scans were used to investigate the effects on brain health directly. Notably, the researchers also observed a decrease in the participants' blood pressure.
Why Peanuts? The Nutritional Proof
Dr. Joris and his team believe the unique nutritional profile of skin-roasted peanuts is key. While their previous studies on soy nuts and mixed nuts also showed benefits for regional brain blood flow, this was the first to demonstrate a global increase. "Global cerebral blood flow decreases with 0.37 percent per year as we age," the team noted, highlighting the relevance of the 3.6 percent gain.
The benefits are likely linked to a combination of nutrients. Peanuts are rich in unsaturated fatty acids, fibre, and inflammation-reducing antioxidants like resveratrol, which is also found in grape skins. The amino acid L-arginine, a building block of protein present in peanuts, may also play a role, though the team acknowledged more research is needed on dietary sources.
"For this study, skin-roasted peanuts were chosen because the peanut skin contains additional dietary fibre and natural plant compounds, specifically antioxidants," said Dr. Joris. "Together, these nutrients may help explain the beneficial health effects observed."
The findings offer promising, accessible dietary insights for those hoping to support cognitive health and potentially reduce dementia risk as they age. With over 7 million American adults living with Alzheimer's disease, this research underscores the potential of everyday nutrition in maintaining brain vascular function and memory.
