A new study has revealed that regularly consuming unsalted nuts, such as almonds or cashews, could lower the risk of developing dementia by 12%. The research, published in the journal GeroScience, analyzed data from over 50,000 adults and found that those who consumed 30 grams (a small handful) of unsalted nuts daily were less likely to develop dementia compared to those who didn’t eat nuts.
The Research
The study examined data from the UK Biobank, a large health database that tracks a variety of health outcomes. Researchers focused on 50,386 participants aged 40 to 70, who provided information on their nut consumption, lifestyle habits, and health status. To ensure the study’s accuracy, individuals diagnosed with dementia at the start of the study were excluded.
The Method
Participants were divided into two main groups: those who ate nuts daily and those who did not. The nut consumption was then broken down into three categories: no nuts, up to one handful per day, and more than one handful. Researchers tracked dementia diagnoses over the study period to identify any links between nut consumption and dementia risk.
The Results
At the end of the study, 1,422 participants (2.8%) were diagnosed with dementia. The findings revealed that those who consumed nuts regularly had a 12% lower risk of developing dementia compared to those who did not. The protective effect was most pronounced among individuals who ate up to one handful of unsalted nuts daily. Interestingly, eating more than one handful did not provide any additional benefits.
The study also highlighted that the protective effect was stronger in specific groups, including women, older adults, nonsmokers, and those who maintained healthy lifestyle habits such as moderate alcohol intake, regular exercise, and good sleep patterns.
The Bottom Line
Dementia is becoming an increasingly common global health issue, with an estimated 55 million people living with dementia worldwide, a number projected to rise to 139 million by 2050. In light of this, prevention strategies, particularly those related to diet, are crucial.
This study adds to the growing body of evidence suggesting that simple dietary changes, such as incorporating nuts into the daily routine, can help reduce the risk of cognitive decline. While the research relied on self-reported dietary data, which may have some inaccuracies, the findings offer an easy and accessible step toward promoting long-term brain health. Just eat a handful of nuts daily for potential protection against dementia.
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