Nuts Provide a Brain Boost

1. Nuts, Antioxidants & Alzheimer’s

British researchers showed daily nut consumption (between 1 to 3 or more handfuls) was significantly associated with a 12% lower risk of all-cause dementia.

Why? One reason came out of a University of Massachusetts Lowell study on pecan’s effects on the brain, as described in the article, “Pecans Provide Neurological Protection.” Antioxidant-rich pecans were shown to be an exceptionally rich source of of Alzheimer’s-fighting antioxidants.

There are a number of studies demonstrating how eating nuts along with a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables and wholegrains every day will help ensure a diet high in antioxidants, associated with a low rate of dementia.

Pecans:
A Brain-Healthy Treat

Pecans provide neurological protection and are enjoyable on any occasion. An exceptionally rich source of Alzheimer’s-fighting antioxidants, natural pecans are available in a variety of ways, from Amazon.com

or your local store.

Browse Pecans >>

Crunchy and delicious, nuts also pack a nutritional punch. 

Pecans

Pecans have the highest level of antioxidants among all tree nuts, and are one of the top 20 power foods for antioxidant capacity, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The antioxidant compounds found naturally in pecans include:

• Vitamin E
• Ellagic acid
• Flavonoids

These antioxidants are believed to help prevent disease-causing oxidation in cells which has been linked to developing Alzheimer’s Disease and other types of dementia.

Almonds, Hazelnuts, Walnuts

The popular almond, hazelnut and walnut provide macronutrients, micronutrients, and phytochemicals which affect several pathways in the development of Alzheimer’s. They also have strong cholesterol lowering and anti-inflammatory properties. Their record in fighting Alzheimer’s was reviewed on the study, Almond, hazelnut and walnut, three nuts for neuroprotection in Alzheimer’s disease: A neuropharmacological review of their bioactive constituents. The use of these tree nuts could be effective nutrients for prevention or even management of Alzheimer’s.

2. Fights Fat

Pecans are also a smart option when it comes to fighting unhealthy, brain-threatening fat. Clinical research from Harvard University School of Public Health suggests that as nut consumption increases, body fat and overall weight actually decreases. In the Harvard study, people following a weight-loss diet that contained 35 percent of calories from fat, including pecans, were able to keep weight off longer than people following a traditionally recommended lower fat diet.

Nuts are a part of most universally accepted balanced diets, such as the “Mediterranean Diet,” which includes fish, poultry, vegetables, fresh and dried fruit, nuts, grains, olives and olive oil.

3. Fights Cholesterol

A variety of nuts may also reduce cholesterol. Research from California’s Loma Linda University and New Mexico State University shows levels of so-called “bad” cholesterol (LDL) drop when pecans are part of a daily diet. Pecans get this cholesterol-lowering ability, in part, from the presence of beta-sitosterol, a natural cholesterol-lowering compound. Eating one-and-a-half ounces of pecans a day (27 to 30 pecan halves), as part of a heart-healthy diet, may even reduce the risk of heart disease. (See our Pecan Salad with Avocado Grapefruit Vinaigrette recipe.)

Nuts make a great addition to every meal. Add them to your morning oatmeal or yogurt, substitute them for croutons in lunchtime salads for a flavorful crunch , or use ground nuts with the seasoning of your choice as delicious breading for meat or fish supper dishes. Any way you chop them, nuts are a tasty addition to just about every recipe!

The Nuts Market and Alzheimer’s

In fighting Alzheimer’s, pecans seem to have become the nut-d’jour. A Wall Street Journal video and article discusses how “Chinese Demand Reshapes U.S. Pecan Business.” Pecan prices have risen dramatically due to demand from China, where it has attained a reputation for many benefits, including protecting against Alzheimer’s. They rank in the top 15 highest antioxidant capacity foods.

Many brands of nuts have received the American Heart Association’s Heart Check-mark signifying heart healthy status. Eligible nuts include almonds, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, peanuts, pecans, pistachios, walnuts & some pine nuts.

Nuts are a great gourmet present on any occasion. Natural and neuroprotective, they come in attractive baskets or easy-to-enjoy trays. Amazon.com offers a variety of packages and gifts consisting of:

• Pecans,
• Almonds and
• Mixed nuts.

A good variety of nuts provides dozens of ways to enjoy brain-healthy pecans with family & friends.

Enjoy a Handful — Not a “Can-ful”

Says registered dietitian Carolyn O’Neil, “They’re not only high in protein, but also in oleic acid, the same type of healthy fat found in olive oil. Enjoying a few as a nutritious snack can help keep hunger at bay so you don’t over eat at meals. So enjoy a handful – not a ‘can-ful’.”