Daily peanut consumption beneficially affects brain insulin responsiveness, new research finds
A study from the Institute of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM) at Maastricht University Medical Center in Maastricht, the Netherlands, has found that longer-term consumption of unsalted, skin-roasted peanuts can benefit insulin responsiveness in the brains of older adults. The findings are published in Food & Function.
A Maastricht University Medical Center study in the Netherlands has discovered that consuming unsalted, skin-roasted peanuts daily can improve brain insulin responsiveness in older adults. Insulin is a crucial signaling molecule in the brain, supporting nerve cell growth, survival, and communication, which are vital for memory and may protect against Alzheimer's disease.
As people age, the brain's responsiveness to insulin tends to decline, contributing to age-related cognitive decline. The study, led by Dr. Peter Joris, involved 31 healthy individuals aged 60-75 who consumed 60 grams (about two servings) of peanuts each day for 16 weeks. This randomized, controlled crossover trial, a robust research design, was initially published in Food & Function.
The research utilized advanced brain imaging techniques, such as arterial spin labeling magnetic resonance imaging (ASL-MRI), to measure brain insulin responsiveness by analyzing changes in regional cerebral blood flow following intranasal insulin administration. The findings suggest that daily peanut consumption may enhance regional brain insulin responsiveness, contributing to improved memory function.
Peanuts are rich in unsaturated fats, dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive phytochemicals, which may also play a role in the observed brain benefits.
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