Consumption of peanut products enhances the production of microbial phenolic metabolites related with memory and stress response: Results from the ARISTOTLE trial
Based on evidence demonstrating that gut microbiota can metabolize dietary polyphenols to more readily absorbable phenolic acids, this study aimed to evaluate the association of urinary microbial phenolic metabolites (MPMs) related to peanut intake with memory function and stress response. A total of 63 healthy young adults from a randomized controlled trial completed the intervention, […]
Effect of Peanut Paste-based Ready-to-use School Meals With and Without Milk on Fluid Cognition in Northern Ghana: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Background: Few studies have investigated the role of school feeding in low- and middle-income countries as a means of improving childhood cognition. Peanut/milk ready-to-use food (PM-RUF) or cowpea offers an affordable, scalable option that might improve cognition. Objectives: To determine whether micronutrient-fortified PM-RUF or peanut/cowpea ready-to-use food (PC-RUF) would improve fluid cognition as assessed by […]
Higher versus lower nut consumption and changes in cognitive performance over two years in a population at risk of cognitive decline: a cohort study
Background: Tree nuts and peanuts (henceforth, nuts) are nutrient-dense foods rich in neuroprotective components; thus, their consumption could benefit cognitive health. However, evidence to date is limited and inconsistent regarding the potential benefits of nuts for cognitive function. Objective: To prospectively evaluate the association between nut consumption and 2-year changes in cognitive performance in older adults at […]
Impact of α-Linolenic Acid, the Vegetable ω-3 Fatty Acid, on Cardiovascular Disease and Cognition
Given the evidence of the health benefits of plant-based diets and long-chain n–3 (ω-3) fatty acids, there is keen interest in better understanding the role of α-linolenic acid (ALA), a plant-derived n–3 fatty acid, on cardiometabolic diseases and cognition. There is increasing evidence for ALA largely based on its major food sources (i.e., walnuts and […]
Pistachio Nuts (Pistacia vera L.): Production, Nutrients, Bioactives and Novel Health Effects.
Epidemiological and clinical studies have indicated positive outcomes related to tree nut consumption. Here, we review the production, nutrient, phytochemical composition and emerging research trends on the health benefits of pistachio nuts (Pistacia vera L.). Pistachios are a good source of protein, fiber, monounsaturated fatty acids, minerals and vitamins, as well as carotenoids, phenolic acids, flavonoids […]
The Association between Peanut and Peanut Butter Consumption and Cognitive Function among Community-Dwelling Older Adults.
Background: Many studies have focused on the association between diet and cognitive function. While a subset of these studies focused on a diet that includes tree nuts (TN), there is limited data on the association between peanut and peanut butter consumption (P/PB) and cognitive health. Objective: This study investigated the association of P/PB consumption and […]
Consumption of peanut products improves memory and stress response in healthy adults from the ARISTOTLE study: a 6-month randomized controlled trial
Background: Peanuts are rich in bioactive compounds that may have a positive impact on memory and stress response. Objective: To evaluate the effect of regular consumption of peanut products on cognitive functions and stress response in healthy young adults. Design: A three-arm parallel-group randomized controlled trial was conducted in 63 healthy young adults that consumed […]
Walnut intake, cognitive outcomes and risk factors: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Background: Walnuts contain nutrients that are associated with improved cognitive health. To our knowledge, no review has systematically examined the effects of walnuts on cognitive function and risk for cognitive decline. Objective: To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the effects of walnut intake on cognition-related outcomes and risk-factors for cognitive decline in adults. Methods: Medline®, Commonwealth […]
Health Benefits Related to Tree Nut Consumption and Their Bioactive Compounds
Long-term studies with regular tree nut consumption have indicated positive outcomes for multiple health benefits. Here, we review the beneficial effects of tree nuts, highlighting the impact on glucose modulation, body weight management, cardiovascular risk, inflammation, oxidative stress, cognitive performance, and gut microbiota. Nuts are important sources of nutrients and phytochemicals, which, together with a […]
Effects of daily almond consumption for six months on cognitive measures in healthy middle-aged to older adults: a randomized control trial.
Background: Age-related cognitive decline is a major public health issue. Almonds are rich in nutrients that benefit cognitive function. Objective: To investigate the impact of almonds on cognition in elderly adults. Design: In a six-month, single-blinded, randomized-controlled trial, the effects of an almond intervention on cognition in healthy, middle-aged/older adults (50-75 years) was tested. Subjects were assigned to […]