Walnuts Boost Memory

Eating walnuts is like taking memory tablets. They boost our cognitive function, says a new study. at The University of California, Los Angeles, led by Dr. Lenore Arab.

Walnuts improve performance on tests for cognitive function, including those for memory, concentration and information processing speed. Cognitive function is thus higher in adults that eat walnuts, according to huffingtonpost.com.

This cross-sectional study is the first large representative analysis of walnut intake and cognitive function, and the only study to include all available cognitive data across multiple National Health and Nutrition Examination (NHANES) surveys, drawn from the U.S. population aged 1 to 90 years. Adults in the category of 20-59 as well as 60 and over were used by researchers Dr. Arab and co-researcher Dr. Alfonso Ang.

A 2012 World Health Organisation article explains that every year new cases of dementia is nearly 7.7 million all over the world, while the existing number of people affected by dementia is 35.6 million. The number is expected to double by 2030 and go up more than three times in 2050, say the researchers, according to indianexpress.com.

"It isn't every day that research results in such simple advice -- eating a handful of walnuts daily as a snack, or as part of a meal, can help improve your cognitive health," said Dr Arab. The study was published in the Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging.

Walnuts contain high antioxidants, at 3.7 mmol/ounce), vitamins, minerals and also alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) at 2.5 grams per ounce. The plant-based omega-3 fatty acid is beneficial for the health of the heart and the brain. Hence, the study adds to the scientific results on fighting cognitive impairment, especially among Alzheimer's patients.

Another study discovered that just under one ounce of nuts everyday could make the difference between living upto 80 or 90 years.

Moreover, they also help to boost weight loss!