Walnuts May Improve Cognitive Functions
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iStock/Thinkstock(LOS ANGELES) — Walnuts are not everyone’s cup of tea and that’s too bad because they may turn out to be a legitimate brain-food.
UCLA researchers contend that people who eat walnuts improve their cognitive functions, that is, remembering, concentrating and making decisions.
Led by Dr. Lenore Arab, the scientists did a meta-study of various National Health and Nutrition Examination surveys and discovered that performances on six cognitive tests were better among those who ate higher amounts of walnuts.
What makes these nuts so special? Their content of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and an omega-3 fatty acid that benefits both the brain and the heart.
Arab said the findings are important as the Baby Boomer generation ages and dementia becomes more prevalent. Walnuts are one possible way of slowing down degenerative memory diseases.
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