A groundbreaking study by researchers from Spain and Portugal suggests that eating a small portion of unsalted, unprocessed nuts daily may significantly reduce the risk of developing dementia. The research, which analyzed data from more than 50,000 Britons over a seven-year period, found that consuming just 30 grams of nuts per day can lower dementia risk by 12 percent.
The benefits were most pronounced in women, individuals over the age of 60, and those without additional risk factors such as obesity or high alcohol consumption. The research team, from the University of Castilla-La Mancha and the University of Porto, attributes the protective effects of nuts to their ability to reduce inflammation and cholesterol levels.
“Daily consumption of nuts may play a protective role in the prevention of dementia,” the researchers noted in the journal GeroScience. The findings were based on data collected from the UK Biobank study and the Oxford WebQ questionnaire, showing that regular nut consumers had a reduced risk of all-cause dementia compared to non-consumers.
Bridget Benelam from the British Nutrition Foundation emphasized the importance of this discovery, noting that dementia is currently the leading cause of death in the UK. “Nuts are nutrient-rich, containing healthy fats, protein, fiber, and a variety of micronutrients. They are also associated with reduced risks of heart disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes,” she said. However, she cautioned against overconsumption due to the high caloric content of nuts, recommending a portion size of a small handful per day for optimal benefits.