August 24, 2017
Walnuts are a delicious way to add extra nutrition, flavour and crunch to a meal but did you know they are considered the top nut for brain health? Walnuts have a significantly high concentration of DHA, a type of Omega-3 fatty acid which has been shown to protect brain health, improve cognitive performance, and prevent age-related cognitive decline. Walnuts are also high in vitamin E, folate, and antioxidants, containing almost twice as many antioxidants and any other nut. Antioxidants help reduce free radicals throughout the brain.
Free radicals can damage your brain cells, so reducing them is essential to keeping the body and brain healthy. Walnuts are considered to have cardiovascular benefits, anti-cancer benefits, anti-inflammatory benefits and is also used in the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes.
An increasing number of studies have shown the potential benefits of walnuts for memory and cognitive thought processes. A new study from the University of California, Los Angeles, suggests adults who consistently eat walnuts can improve their cognitive function. Regardless of age, gender, or ethnicity, the results showed that consuming less than a handful per day can help improve your cognitive health.
Another resent study showed that walnuts could also help us grow new brain cells. Growing new brain cells is a crucial to maintaining brain health.
Though walnuts may not turn you into a genius overnight, the foods we eat can and do affect our mind. Be sure to include in your diet foods that contain the beneficial nutrients needed to improve cognitive function and enhance your memory.
To keep your mind sharp, try the recipe below.
Spinach Linguine with Walnut Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 cups walnut halves
- 1 pound spinach linguine
- Coarse salt and ground pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 clove garlic
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- ½ cup chopped parsley
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
- Spread walnut halves on a rimmed baking sheet; toast until fragrant, 10 minutes
- Meanwhile, cook linguine in a pot of boiling salted water until al dente, according to package instructions
- Drain; return to pot
- Process half of walnuts, cream, and garlic in a food processor until smooth; season with salt and pepper
- Toss with pasta, remaining walnuts, Parmesan, and parsley. Serve with more Parmesan
Recipe from Martha Stewart
