In a new study, researchers found eating nuts more than 10g every day is linked to improved cognitive functions in people aged 55 and older.
The study finding showed a healthy diet plays an important role in protecting brain functions and preventing dementia in older people.
The research was conducted by researchers from the University of South Australia and Qatar University.
Previous studies have shown that eating nuts can provide many health benefits.
For example, one study showed that eating nuts may reduce heart disease risk for people with diabetes.
This is because nuts are full of unsaturated fatty acids, phytochemicals, fiber, vitamins such as vitamin E and folate, as well as minerals including calcium, potassium, and magnesium.
The study examined the nut intake in 16,217 men and women before and after they were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
It found eating all kinds of nuts provided some heart-healthy benefits, with tree nuts showing the strongest link.
In another study, researchers found eating black walnuts could help stave off obesity and heart disease.
This is because black walnuts contain molecular compounds called phytosterols.
This compound could help prevent obesity, diabetes and heart disease while lowering cholesterol and inflammation in the body.
In a third study, researchers found hazelnuts could improve micronutrient levels in the body.
Older people who added hazelnuts to their diet for a few months strongly improved their levels of two key micronutrients.
The findings showed increased blood concentrations of magnesium and elevated urinary levels of a breakdown product of alpha-tocopherol, commonly known as vitamin E.
In the current study, the team focused on eating nuts and cognitive functions in older people.
They examined more than 4800 people aged 55 and over in the China Health Nutrition Survey from 1991–2006.
They found eating nuts more than 10g per day was linked to higher cognition score or 40% less likely to have poor cognitive functions.
The researchers suggest that eating nuts may benefit older people’s brain functions. It may be important to add nuts as part of a daily diet.
The lead author of the study is Ming Li from the Centre for Population Health Research, Division of Health Sciences, University of South Australia.
The study is published in The Journal of nutrition, health & aging.
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