Are you worried about getting Alzheimer’s or have a family member or sick loved one who has it? Did you know that lifestyle factors greatly affect the progression of cognitive decline, with high-risk behaviors including unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, smoking, and exposure to environmental toxins leading to enhanced oxidative stress and inflammation?
I love walnuts and eat a handful of them almost every day. I wasn’t surprised to discover yet another study that found evidence for the beneficial effects of consuming a walnut–rich diet. Compounds found in walnuts known as polyphenols reduce damaging oxidation and inflammation on brain cells but also improve communication between them, increase brain cell growth (neurogenesis) and the isolation of toxic proteins.
The study noted that primary prevention in many of these neurodegenerative (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis, etc.,) diseases could be achieved earlier in life by consuming a healthy diet, rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory phytochemicals, which offers one of the most effective and least expensive ways to address the crisis.
English walnuts are rich in numerous phytochemicals, including high amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids, and offer potential benefits to brain health.
Source:
Role of walnuts in maintaining brain health with age.