Eating peanuts daily may boost brain health in older adults, study suggests
Fox News • • health
Key Points:
- A small study from Maastricht University found that daily consumption of unsalted, skin-roasted peanuts may improve insulin responsiveness in memory-related brain regions of healthy older adults.
- The study involved 31 participants aged 60 to 75 who ate about 60 grams of peanuts daily for 16 weeks, resulting in a 4% increase in overall brain blood flow.
- Insulin plays a key role in brain function by supporting nerve cell communication and memory processes, but the study did not establish whether peanut consumption prevents cognitive decline or Alzheimer's disease.
- Experts caution that while peanuts may benefit brain insulin signaling, no single food is likely to prevent Alzheimer's, and broader dietary patterns are more important for brain health.
- The study was funded by the Peanut Institute Foundation, which had no involvement in the study's design or publication decisions, and researchers note further research is needed to confirm long-term cognitive benefits.
