A recent study has found that consuming a handful of nuts daily could significantly lower the risk of developing dementia. According to research published in the journal GeroScience, eating just 30 grams of unsalted and unprocessed nuts each day may reduce the likelihood of dementia by 12 per cent.

Key Findings from the Study

The research, conducted by scientists from the University of Castilla-La Mancha and the University of Porto, analyzed data from 50,386 participants in the UK. At the start of the study, the participants, with an average age of 56.5 years, did not have dementia. Over a seven-year period, the study tracked their health to assess the development of dementia.

The incidence of dementia was measured at the beginning and end of the study, with 1,422 cases of all-cause dementia recorded by the conclusion. To evaluate nut consumption, participants were asked to fill out a 24-hour dietary questionnaire at the start of the study. The research found that individuals who consumed up to 30 grams of nuts daily had a lower risk of developing dementia, with unsalted and unprocessed nuts providing the most significant benefits.

The researchers highlighted that daily nut consumption led to a reduced risk of dementia regardless of other factors like lifestyle choices, hearing problems, self-rated health, or the presence of chronic diseases. This suggests that nuts play an important role in brain health and cognitive function.

Why It Matters

Dementia is a growing concern worldwide, and currently, there are no effective treatments to cure the condition. Preventive measures, such as maintaining a balanced diet, are critical in reducing the risk of cognitive decline. Nuts are packed with essential nutrients and bioactive compounds that offer anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties, all of which support overall brain health.

With this new research reinforcing the benefits of including nuts in your daily diet, it provides an accessible and easy strategy for reducing dementia risk. Given the lack of curative treatments for dementia, incorporating nutrient-rich foods like nuts into one’s diet may help prevent or delay cognitive decline.

Incorporating a handful of unsalted and unprocessed nuts into your daily routine could be a small yet powerful step toward maintaining long-term brain health and protecting against dementia.

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