It sounds… well… I’m just going to come right out and say it, NUTTY.
And that’s because it IS, literally. As the latest research finds, one nut, in particular, could be a godsend when it comes to protecting the human brain.
They’re not some exotic nut from a far off land either. In fact, you’ve likely eaten quite a few of them in your lifetime. You may even routinely add them to your own recipes.
And yet, it turns out, they might be able to deliver where drugs have failed. Because, according to the latest research, the humble walnut could help protect and enhance cognition for some folks.
Specifically, these tasty treats could help the folks who need it the most. And that is people who are already facing a higher risk of cognitive decline and even dementia.
The NUTTY way to restore cognitive health
It’s not just a matter of boosting memory. We know of some safe ways to do that. And it isn’t just a matter of cutting the risk of dementia overall, either. Because, again, there are some things that we know can help out there too.
No, the real trick isn’t just in “general overall” brain health. It’s in helping the seniors who are MOST at risk.
It’s long been considered the “Holy Grail” of brain health.
I’m talking about those folks who already have the warning signs of cognitive decline. Those who are in desperate need of something to slow it down… stop the decline… and reverse the damage.
And that’s why this new study is so critical. Because, as strange as it sounds, it appears that the humble walnut may be able to help.
Fight cognitive decline with walnuts
For the study, a group of older folks was given a two-year diet plan that either included walnuts or didn’t. And to be honest, after two years the results overall looked pretty disappointing.
But then the researchers decided to crack open the details. They took a deeper dive into those results, and that’s when they made an incredible discovery.
Some folks DID get big benefits. And even more exciting, it was the volunteers who NEEDED that help the most – the people facing the BIGGEST risk.
In this group, which included high-risk folks such as ex-smokers, eating walnuts daily was linked to a significantly slower onset of cognitive decline. It was as if their brains were 1.24 years YOUNGER.
The real benefit could be even bigger, of course. After all, the study only lasted two years, which is a drop in the bucket when it comes to long-term brain health. Over longer periods, there may be an even more dramatic effect.
Obviously, we need to see more research to figure out who’ll benefit the most. And what those long term impacts will be.
But we DON’T need more research to start eating more walnuts. Because other studies have already confirmed they’re great for your brain thanks to their healthy and unique balance of omega-3 fatty acids. One study even found that walnut eaters have better memory, concentration, and thinking speed.
Plus, their benefits don’t end there. Other research has found they could help protect your heart and control cholesterol.
In other words, while we wait for more research on the cognitive decline fighting abilities of the walnut, there’s no reason to not start tossing them into your salads and veggie dishes right away. Or follow my lead and eat them my favorite way… plain as a snack.
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