Walnuts and Health
Cognitive Function
Although research has not found a way to ward off dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, cognitive decline may be preventable. Consuming specific foods, being physically active, and engaging in social activities may help maintain and improve cognitive health.
Study published in the British Journal of Nutrition
Animal research published in the British Journal of Nutrition1 found a diet containing as much as 6 percent walnuts (equivalent to one ounce or 1/4 cup in humans) was able to reverse age-related motor and cognitive deficits in aged rats.
Methods:
- Aged rats were fed a control 2, 6 or 9 percent walnut diet for eight weeks before motor and cognitive testing.
Results:
- Results for the motor testing showed that the 2 percent walnut diet improved performance on rod walking, while the 6 percent walnut diet improved performance on the medium plank walk; the higher dose of the 9 percent walnut diet did not improve psychomotor performance.
- All of the walnut diets improved working memory in the Morris water maze. These findings show for the first time that moderate dietary walnut supplementation may improve cognitive and motor performance in aged rats.
- Although more research is needed to understand the studies application to humans, given the results, the researchers concluded that adding walnuts to your diet may increase “health span” and provide a “longevity dividend” by delaying the onset of debilitating neurodegenerative disease.
Crossword Puzzle
While eating healthy foods is important, studies have also shown that keeping the brain active is associated with reduced Alzheimer’s disease risk.2 Click here to engage your brain with a Cognitive Crossword Puzzle, which highlights the wonders of walnuts. When you are ready to check your answers - download the answer key.
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