60 Grams of Peanuts Daily Strengthens Memory

SadaNews - A Dutch study revealed that consuming 60 grams of unsalted roasted peanuts daily can improve memory and vascular functions in the brain among older adults.

Researchers from Maastricht University Medical Center in the Netherlands explained that the study opens the door to further research on foods rich in phytochemicals and their impact on cognitive performance. The results were published on Thursday in the journal "Clinical Nutrition".

The decline in memory among the elderly is one of the most significant health challenges linked to aging, as the brain's ability to process and store information gradually decreases due to reduced blood flow to the neurons and decreased elasticity. This deterioration is often associated with weakened microvascular structures within the brain, leading to decreased supply of oxygen and vital nutrients.

Reduced blood flow in the brain is considered one of the factors that increase the risk of cognitive decline and dementia with aging. Estimates from Alzheimer's Disease International suggest that the number of people with dementia worldwide could reach 78 million by 2030, and 139 million by 2050.

The study included 31 healthy adults aged between 60 and 75 years, who were asked to consume 60 grams of peanuts, which is approximately equivalent to two servings daily for 16 weeks.

The researchers relied on MRI technology to measure changes in blood flow, alongside advanced tests to assess the cognitive and intellectual performance of the participants.

The results showed an increase in total cerebral blood flow by 3.6%, and an improvement in verbal memory by 5.8%. The researchers linked this improvement to increased blood flow in brain areas responsible for processing and storing verbal information.

The study also recorded a decrease in systolic blood pressure by 5 mmHg, reflecting improved arterial elasticity and vascular health, and a decrease in pulse pressure by 4 mmHg, indicating reduced burden on the cardiovascular system.

The researchers also observed an increase in blood flow in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, regions associated with memory and higher cognitive functions.

According to the study, peanuts are high in "arginine" (L-Arginine), an amino acid that promotes vasodilation and improves blood flow, and they are also rich in unsaturated fats and polyphenol compounds, which are natural antioxidants that contribute to protecting blood vessels from inflammation and damage.

The team added that this is the first time a scientific study has shown that peanut consumption can improve cerebral vascular functions in healthy older adults, emphasizing that the results provide a new understanding of how peanuts can contribute to enhancing memory and brain health.