This snack is linked to better cerebral blood flow—and a small memory boost
Industry Buzz
Longer-term consumption of unsalted, skin-roasted peanuts improved global cerebral blood flow, which suggests an overall enhancement in brain vascular function.
—Peter Joris, PhD
If your older patients are looking for a low-lift, low-cost nutrition tweak with potential cognitive benefits, researchers in the Netherlands may have one: the humble peanut.
A new crossover study published in Clinical Nutrition suggests that eating 60 grams of unsalted, skin-roasted peanuts each day could modestly improve cerebral blood flow and verbal memory in healthy adults ages 60–75. []
It’s early data—and from a tiny cohort—but the findings highlight an interesting vascular angle on age-related cognitive health.
About the study
Scientists at the Institute of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM) at Maastricht University Medical Center enrolled 31 healthy older adults and assigned them to two 16-week periods: one with daily peanut intake (60 grams, or two servings) and one without peanut intake. [] The order was randomized, and an 8-week washout separated the phases.
Throughout the study, participants underwent MRI-based cerebral blood flow (CBF) assessments and standard cognitive testing.
After the peanut phase, global CBF increased by 3.6%, with the strongest effects in the frontal and temporal lobes—regions important for executive function, language, and memory processing. Gray matter perfusion also increased by 4.5%.
Verbal memory scores improved by 5.8%. Other cognitive domains, including executive function and reaction time, did not show meaningful changes.
Researchers also noted mild reductions in systolic blood pressure and pulse pressure, hinting at broader vascular effects.
Related: Let's get cracking: 8 nuts that are just plain good for the body—and mindWhy peanuts?
The study authors point to several components: unsaturated fats, polyphenols, fiber, natural plant compounds, and, notably, L-arginine, which supports nitric oxide production and endothelial function. []
Because the peanuts were roasted with their skins on, participants also consumed additional antioxidants.
“Longer-term consumption of unsalted, skin-roasted peanuts improved global cerebral blood flow, which suggests an overall enhancement in brain vascular function,” said lead author Peter Joris, PhD. []
Related: 8 pillars of brain health by a brain doctorYour takeaway
For patients who enjoy peanuts, a modest daily serving may support vascular health—including cerebral perfusion—and could offer some cognitive benefits.
Important to note: Peanuts are calorie-dense. Encourage patients to choose unsalted or lightly salted, dry-roasted versions and to factor portions into their overall dietary patterns.