The Study
Improvements in brain insulin sensitivity may prevent cognitive decline and reduce risk of Alzheimer’s disease. In this randomized crossover study, 28 healthy overweight adults consumed 60 grams (359 calories) of mixed nuts for 16 weeks and then no nuts for 16 weeks.
Brain insulin sensitivity was measured by MRI. Other risk factors for cardiovascular disease were also taken.
After consuming the nuts, subjects showed statistically significant improvements in brain insulin sensitivity. These subjects also had improvements in triglycerides, systolic blood pressure and LDL cholesterol.
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2024; 119:314-23
Take Home Message
Nuts are a nutrition powerhouse that have previously been associated with reductions in risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and obesity. They may also have a nice impact on cognition and reduce risk of cognitive decline.
The researchers were not sure of the potential mechanisms at play here, so more research is needed in this area. I try to have nuts with breakfast and lunch just about every day and recommend my clients do the same.
No comments:
Post a Comment