A Daily Snack That Boosts Memory Later
A Daily Snack That Boosts Memory Later
A recent study revealed that eating peanuts daily enhances memory and blood flow to the brain in older adults within just four months. Participants who consumed 60 grams of unsalted, roasted peanuts in their skins daily for 16 weeks showed a 5.8 percent improvement in verbal memory.
Researchers attributed the effect of peanuts to their L-arginine content, an amino acid that increases blood flow to the brain. Peanuts also contain bioactive compounds, particularly in the skins, that help protect brain cells. The two-phase study included 31 healthy adults aged 65 to 75 with no history of heart disease, diabetes, or peanut allergies, and who were non-smokers, according to the British newspaper, the Daily Mail.
During the intervention phase, participants consumed 60 grams of unsalted, roasted peanuts in their shells daily for 16 weeks. In the second phase, they abstained from peanuts and all nut-based products for 16 weeks, with an eight-week break between the two phases.
Researchers measured blood flow in the brain using non-invasive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and tested memory, processing speed, and problem-solving abilities using computerized cognitive tests. They also monitored blood pressure and dietary intake via questionnaires. The brain scans revealed a 3.6 percent increase in overall blood flow and a 4.3 percent increase in blood flow to the gray matter.
The researchers also found improved blood flow in key brain regions associated with memory and language. Participants performed better on memory tests, recalling more words from a list they had seen 20 minutes earlier, compared to the period when they abstained from peanuts.
Peter Joris of Maastricht University explained that adequate blood flow to the brain is crucial for supplying cells with oxygen and nutrients, thus enabling brain function. "We were surprised that the improvements were seen throughout the brain, not just in specific brain regions," said Yuris. Despite these positive results, researchers still don't fully understand the precise mechanism by which peanuts affect blood flow and memory in the brain.
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