**Peanuts May Shield Against Ageing and Alzheimer’s Disease, New Research Reveals**
A recent study has brought to light the health benefits of a familiar snack—peanuts. Researchers at Maastricht University Medical Center have found that incorporating unsalted, skin-roasted peanuts into daily diets may offer protective effects against cognitive decline associated with ageing and Alzheimer’s disease. However, this benefit comes with the stipulation that one must maintain consistent consumption over an extended period.
More coverage: read the latest report.
In the clinical trial, 31 healthy adults aged between 60 and 75 were recruited to consume 60 grams of unsalted, skin-roasted peanuts each day for a duration of 16 weeks— translating to approximately two servings. Following this period, participants were subjected to brain scans to measure cognitive functions against a control phase where peanuts were excluded from their diet.
The findings from this study indicated a significant improvement in insulin responsiveness in memory-related regions of the brain, particularly the hippocampus. This area is crucial for memory retention and processing, with insulin playing a vital role in supporting cognitive function by facilitating communication between brain cells. According to Dr Peter Joris, the lead researcher and associate professor in Nutrition and Movement Sciences, the brain’s diminished responsiveness to insulin is often linked to cognitive decline that occurs with age.
An earlier phase of the research had already noted that consistent peanut consumption could enhance brain blood flow by 3.6% and improve verbal memory scores by 5.8%. These improvements underscore the potential of a simple dietary adjustment to bolster brain health among older adults.
Dr Joris emphasised the implications of these results, stating, “Our study found that daily peanut consumption beneficially affected insulin responsiveness in memory-related brain regions in older adults.” This suggests that regular intake of unsalted skin-roasted peanuts could fortify brain health as one ages, imparting cognitive benefits that may serve as a countermeasure to age-related decline.
In summary, while the humble peanut offers promising potential as an affordable and effective nutrient for brain health, the key lies in consistent daily intake. This research invites us to reconsider our dietary habits, advocating for a simple yet powerful addition to our diets to maintain cognitive health as we age.