Nuts like almonds and walnuts have been linked to improved cognitive function and even living longer lives, although peanuts are frequently questioned due to a lack of data and the fact that they are technically legumes.
However, researchers from the University of Barcelona discovered a tangible link between eating peanuts or peanut butter and general improved brain health in a fascinating new study.
Continue reading to find out more about the conclusions of the investigation.
The Research
Although there is current research on the cognitive health advantages of consuming nuts, very little research has been done, mainly on peanuts or peanut products.
As a result, they set out to see if peanut products could improve the brain health of healthy young individuals aged 18 to 33, which included examining their memory performance and anxiety and depression levels.
For the duration of the 6-month study, participants were divided into three groups: those who ate peel-roasted peanuts, those who ate peanut butter, and those who ate a "control" butter.
This control butter, which was composed of macronutrients comparable to those found in peanuts or peanut butter, was unique because it lacked fiber and phenolic chemicals.
What They Found Out
After six months, they discovered that eating peanuts and peanut butter positively impacted the participants' cognitive health.
According to the study, those who ate skin roasted peanuts or peanut butter improved their "instant" memory recall, and the peanut butter group experienced a positive impact on their overall memory function and testing.
Only the group that ate the peanuts (not the peanut butter) experienced a decrease in anxiety. However, all three groups (peanuts, peanut butter, and control butter) experienced a reduction in depression symptoms.
Peanuts Are Good for Your Brain.
Following the completion of the study, researchers concluded that the polyphenols in peanuts and peanut butter (but not in the control butter) were a substantial component in the subjects' better memory function and reduced anxiety levels.
Polyphenols are naturally occurring substances present in peanuts, dark chocolate, apples, olive oil, and red wine. They have been shown to aid in the prevention of diabetes, heart disease, and neurodegenerative disease.
Even though this new study only looked at young adults under the age of 33, the findings of this research on the cognitive benefits of polyphenols in peanuts and peanut butter are encouraging for people of all ages and demand more investigation.
Increasing the Number of Peanuts in Your Diet
If you enjoy munching on a handful of peanuts throughout the day, you're in luck. However, if you're weary of plain peanuts but still want the health advantages, you'll have to get a little more creative.
Make a sweet treat like this strawberry-and-chocolate-chips peanut butter toast, or top your favorite type of oatmeal with a scoop of peanut butter.