Eating Nuts Daily May Lower Dementia Risk by 12%
Believe it or not, middle-aged and older adults who eat nuts every day can significantly lower their risk of dementia, a new study has found.
Study Finds Daily Nut Consumption Linked to Lower Dementia Risk
An international team of researchers had 50,300 UK adults, who were mostly in their mid-50s, fill out a questionnaire about their nut consumption habits before following them for an average of seven years to see if they developed dementia. About 1,400 dementia cases were identified. After accounting for factors like age, sex, body mass, education, and lifestyle, the researchers determined that consuming nuts on a daily basis lowered the risk of dementia by 12%.
Benefits of Unsalted Nuts and Handfuls
The benefits were even greater for those who opted for unsalted nuts and ate up to one handful, or 40 grams, every day — in that case, the risk of dementia was lowered by 16%.
Link Between Diet and Dementia Risk
Research has long linked a poor diet to increased dementia risk. Obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol in midlife are among the 14 modifiable lifestyle factors The Lancet Commission, composed of 27 dementia experts, identified this year as fueling dementia diagnoses. Experts have suggested that the Mediterranean, DASH, and MIND diets, which are rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, may be best for brain health. Nuts are a key component of the three eating plans.
Potential Neuroprotective Components of Nuts
Writing in the journal Nutrients, researchers from Spain reported that nuts “are a nutrient-dense food that contain a number of potentially neuroprotective components, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, fiber, B-vitamins, non-sodium minerals, and highly bioactive polyphenols.” They also called walnuts the “nut type most promising for cognitive health.”
Conclusion
The findings of this study suggest that eating nuts daily may lower the risk of dementia by 12%. The benefits were even greater for those who opted for unsalted nuts and ate up to one handful every day. Nuts are a key component of the Mediterranean, DASH, and MIND diets, which may be best for brain health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the recommended daily intake of nuts for lowering dementia risk?
A: The study found that eating one handful, or 40 grams, of nuts daily lowered the risk of dementia by 16%.
Q: Which type of nut is most promising for cognitive health?
A: The study found that walnuts are the “nut type most promising for cognitive health.”
Q: Can eating nuts help with brain development and function?
A: Yes, nuts contain omega-3 fatty acids, which can help with brain development and function.
Q: How many Americans have been diagnosed with dementia?
A: Nearly 7 million Americans have been diagnosed with dementia, according to a recent study.
