What are the Unique Walnut Benefits for Brain Health?

Walnuts are a crucial part of any clean eating food list or vegan diet! They’re full of healthy fats, protein, and fiber. But have you heard of the specific walnut benefits for brain health? They’re pretty amazing!

As discussed in the Journal of Nutrition, brain diseases like Alzheimer’s disease are becoming more and more prevalent. And the best treatment is prevention through holistic nutrition. Interestingly, walnuts contain a powerful combination of phytochemicals, antioxidants, and polyunsaturated fatty acids – all of which are helpful in preventing brain disease.

Although we need more studies, the following is a great start:

• In a study of mice with Alzheimer’s, daily consumption of walnuts enhanced memory and ability to learn. It also helped decrease anxiety.
• Furthermore, observational studies indicate that eating walnuts sharpens the cognitive functions of elderly adults.
• Although this one isn’t a “brain disease” study, it does show how eating walnuts changes brain health for the better! Researchers have found that eating walnuts may change the way your brain views addicting foods like sugar. Since walnuts can cause your brain to literally react differently to these unhealthy foods, it becomes much easier to avoid them and they lose their “pull.”

 

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Ways to Eat Walnuts

Raw walnuts are great. But here are some more ways to add them to your diet:

• Use them as healthy smoothie bowl toppings
• Enhance your overnight oatmeal recipes