Peanut x brain function

 Here’s what recent research is showing about a simple everyday snack that may help boost brain function in older adults by improving blood flow and vascular health in the brain — which is thought to underlie better memory and cognitive performance:

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Daily Peanuts May Help Older Adults’ Brain Function

Key finding: A new clinical trial found that eating a daily serving (about 60 g) of unsalted, skin-roasted peanuts for 16 weeks improved brain vascular function and memory in healthy older adults aged ~60–75. 

What the study showed:

• Increased cerebral blood flow: Global blood flow to the brain rose by about 3.6 %, with notable increases in regions tied to memory and thinking.  
• Better verbal memory: Participants had around 5.8 % improvement in verbal memory tests compared with a no-peanut period.  
• Lower blood pressure: Small drops in systolic and pulse pressure were also seen, suggesting broader vascular benefits.  
• Vascular mechanism: Enhanced blood flow may deliver more oxygen and nutrients to brain cells — a key factor in supporting cognitive health.  

This study directly links daily peanut consumption to improved vascular function in the brain, which is thought to be one mechanism by which cognitive performance (like memory) can be supported as people age. 

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Why This Matters

As we get older, we naturally experience changes in the blood vessels in the brain that can reduce blood flow — and this reduced vascular function is associated with cognitive decline and increased dementia risk. Improving cerebral blood flow could help counteract some of those changes. 

While this research is promising, it’s from a relatively small trial and does not yet prove peanuts prevent dementia long-term — but it suggests a simple snack could be part of a brain-healthy dietary pattern. Longer studies with larger groups will help confirm these benefits.

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How to Think About This Snack

• Unsalted, skin-roasted peanuts (roughly 60 g/day) were used in the study.  
• You might also get similar broader benefits from a variety of nuts (e.g., walnuts, almonds) as part of a balanced brain-healthy diet, as many studies link nuts with better vascular and cognitive health.  
• Peanuts are rich in L-arginine, unsaturated fats, polyphenols, plant protein, fiber, and antioxidants — all nutrients that can support vascular and metabolic health.  

🧠 Takeaway

A daily handful of unsalted, skin-roasted peanuts may be an easy, familiar snack that supports brain blood flow and verbal memory in older adults — potentially helping maintain cognitive health as part of a healthy lifestyle. 

If you’d like, I can also share other brain-supporting snacks and foods (like berries, nuts, seeds, etc.) that research links with cognitive function!