Popular snack may help support brain health in older adults, new study finds

The research, published in the journal Food & Function in September, involved 31 healthy adults between the ages of 60 and 75 who consumed 60 grams of unsalted, skin-roasted peanuts daily for 16 weeks. During a control phase, participants did not eat any peanuts.

Brain insulin response

Using MRI scans, researchers discovered that regular peanut consumption led to an approximately 4% increase in overall blood flow in the brain. They also observed improved insulin responsiveness in memory-related regions, including the hippocampus.

Study limitations

The researchers did not determine whether these changes could prevent cognitive decline or Alzheimer's disease. The study was small and funded by the Peanut Institute Foundation, which reported having no role in the research design, analysis or publication decisions.

Niotis emphasized that while insulin resistance is associated with increased risk of cognitive decline, "it's unlikely that one food will ever have that much power." She recommended focusing on overall dietary patterns like a Mediterranean-style diet rather than any single food.

Future research needed

Because this was such a small study, researchers "don't yet know whether these changes translate into meaningful benefits for memory or long-term brain health," Niotis said. The findings suggest a potential area for further investigation into how diet might support brain health in aging populations.