Popular snack may protect the aging brain when eaten every day: study

The brain benefits of this snack are nuts.Certain foods are considered super when it comes to their nutritional benefits, promoting gut health, supporting immunity, and even helping us live longer.A hefty handful of one common food can boost brain power as we age, according to recent research.A nutrient-rich diet is necessary for heart, vascular and brain health, especially while getting older to protect blood vessels in the brain, decreasing the risk of impaired brain function, stroke and dementia.And while they’re technically not a nut but a legume, peanuts share many of the same heart and metabolic benefits, providing an easy source of plant-based protein and healthy fats.The beloved baseball snack may also boost memory in the aging brain.A study published in the journal Food & Function found that two daily servings (about 60 grams) of unsalted, roasted peanuts improved insulin responses in areas of the brain associated with memory.Insulin is a critical hormone for brain function, involved with memory, learning and communication between nerve cells.“As people age, the brain may become less responsive to insulin, which has been linked to age-related cognitive decline,” senior study author Dr.Peter Joris told SciTechDaily.Researchers had 31 healthy adults aged 60 to 75 eat two servings of peanuts daily for 16 weeks, either in one sitting, divided throughout the day or added to meals, as well as a control period without the nutty snack.To track how the brain responded, insulin was administered through the nose and regional cerebral blood flow was measured with arterial spin labeling magnetic resonance imaging (ASL-MRI).Increased blood flow to the brain delivers necessary oxygen and nutrients to keep cognitive function strong, even as we get older.The team also assessed cognitive performance using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery.Changes in how the brain responded to insulin appeared in regions of the brain involved with memory, sugg...