In the United States, Alzheimer's disease affects more than six million Americans, and more than 11 million provide unpaid care for people with Alzheimer's or other dementias. There's growing evidence that peanuts can help address this disease by supporting brain health. The Peanut Institute shares insight and research on why this mighty legume can make a difference.
Essentially, it boils down to the nutritional makeup of peanuts.
In 2021, University of Barcelona researchers studied a group of college students ages 18 to 33 for six months. They found those who had a daily serving of peanuts or peanut butter experienced improved memory function and decreased anxiety, depression and stress.
In 2021, University of Barcelona researchers studied a group of college students ages 18 to 33 for six months. Researchers found that those who had a daily serving of peanuts or peanut butter experienced improved memory function and decreased anxiety, depression and stress.
"Since food is something that we add to our bodies every day, it can truly be medicine," said Doctor Samara Sterling, a nutrition scientist and research director for The Peanut Institute.
"We're finding that eating a small amount of peanuts or peanut butter can play an important part in the fight against Alzheimer's and dementia."
First, peanuts have high levels of niacin and are a good source of vitamin E, two nutrients that have long been known to protect against Alzheimer's disease and age-related cognitive decline. One study found that food niacin intake was associated with a slower annual rate of cognitive decline and a 70 percent lower risk of Alzheimer's.
Second, peanuts contain resveratrol, a bioactive that is believed to be beneficial in fighting against Alzheimer's and other nerve degenerating diseases. Lab tests 2018 found resveratrol could reverse cognitive defects and restore cognitive function in mice with neurological disorders.
Third, peanuts pack p-coumaric acid. A 2014 animal study found that p-coumaric acid helped reduce stress and anxiety. Researchers noted that the antioxidant could have similar stress-reducing effects as some of the leading anti-anxiety medications.
In 2021, University of Barcelona researchers studied a group of college students ages 18 to 33 for six months. They found those who had a daily serving of peanuts or peanut butter experienced improved memory function and decreased anxiety, depression and stress.
"Results from the study suggested that the improvement in memory function and stress response after consuming peanuts or peanut butter is related to the mental health effects of bioactive compounds found in peanuts, including resveratrol and p-coumaric acid."
For older adults, a new study published in June 2023 showed that those aged 55 to 75 years who consumed peanuts or tree nuts at least three times per week had more favourable changes in cognitive performance than those who ate nuts less than once per week. The authors concluded that regular nut consumption could help mitigate cognitive decline over two years in at-risk older adults.
Finally, in addition to niacin, vitamin E, p-coumaric acid and resveratrol, peanuts and peanut butter have a unique combination of healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, fibre and protein that deliver both mind and body benefits.
Sterling continued that peanuts were unique as just a small serving can have an impact. As an energy-dense food supported through studies conducted in the United States and worldwide, eating peanuts helps prevent disease, improves life expectancy and delivers positive effects throughout the body.
