Insights & Discussion
Regular walnut consumption is consistently linked to improved cognitive performance in adults, particularly those at higher risk of cognitive decline.
The methodology of this review involved a systematic search of four different databases - Ovid MEDLINE, Scopus, CINAHL Plus, and Embase, from their inception through to April 2020. The search aimed to identify both interventional and observational studies that investigated the effect of nut intake on cognitive outcomes in adults aged 18 and above. The specific nuts studied included almonds, hazelnuts, macadamias, pistachios, walnuts, pecans, pine nuts, Brazil nuts, cashews, and peanuts. The review then selected the most relevant studies for further analysis; out of 2,374 identified articles, 22 met the criteria, with a combined participant count of 43,793.
The resulting discussion of this review's findings highlighted that, despite inconsistencies due to varying study designs and types of nuts studied, regular mixed nut intake could potentially protect cognitive function in different age groups. However, more notable was the recurrent evidence found in studies focusing on groups at a higher risk of cognitive impairment, which repeatedly reported improved outcomes. Particularly, studies specifically targeting walnut consumption consistently found it positively associated with enhanced cognitive performance. The review found homogeneous results within these walnut-centred studies, with only one out of six, including two randomized controlled trials, not reporting a positive association.
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Honey exhibits multifaceted benefits for brain health, acting as a memory booster, neuroprotective agent, anti-stress, and anti-nociceptive substance, fostering potential therapeutic applications to enhance overall cognitive well-being.
2023 Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience Honey on brain health: A promising brain booster Zamri NA, Ghani N, Ismail CAN, Zakaria R, Shafin N
Review Article Brain Health Cognitive Function Honey
This review scrutinizes 34 original articles exploring the impact of honey on brain health. Honey, traditionally known as a natural sweetener, emerges as a versatile substance with applications in nutrition, health supplementation, and brain health enhancement. The analysis identifies four key benefits: memory enhancement, neuroprotection, stress reduction, and pain alleviation. The review emphasizes the growing interest in understanding the mechanisms that underlie these effects, paving the way for potential therapeutic roles of honey in promoting cognitive well-being.
The literature review underscores the significant role of honey in brain health research, shedding light on its diverse benefits, including memory improvement, neuroprotection, stress mitigation, and pain relief. The emphasis on unraveling the underlying mechanisms reflects a broader interest in establishing honey's therapeutic potential for enhancing overall brain health. This comprehensive exploration of honey's effects on cognition opens avenues for developing novel therapeutic strategies harnessing honey's natural properties.
A combination of Walnut Peptide and Casein Peptide substantially alleviates anxiety disorder symptoms and enhances memory by improving neurotransmitter function in mice.
2023 Frontiers in Nutrition Combination of Walnut Peptide and Casein Peptide alleviates anxiety and improves memory in anxiety mices Li Q, Jia X, Zhong Q, Zhong Z, Wang Y, Tang C, et al.
Anxiety Memory Walnut
The study investigated the effects of the combination of Walnut Peptide (WP) and Casein Peptide (CP) in mice exhibiting elevated anxiety levels by giving them these peptides through oral gavage administration. The researchers designed assessments to carefully examine changes in the subjects' anxiety and memory-related behaviors following this treatment. Besides monitoring behavior, they also scrutinized the levels of several neurotransmitters, such as Serotonin, gamma-aminobutyric acid, dopamine, and acetylcholine, to identify the biological mechanisms underlying the observed effects.
The mice treated with the WP + CP combination demonstrated significant improvement in behavioral tests related to anxiety and memory. The analysis also showed that the peptide combination resulted in restoring neurotransmitter dysfunction observed while examining neurotransmitter levels. The peptides had the additional effect of increasing the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor mRNA, suggesting a protective role against the neurological effects of anxiety. The research revealed strong correlations between the improvement in behavioral indicators, increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and neurotransmitter levels. The study concluded that the WP+CP combination might serve as an effective alternative therapy for anxiety disorders, implying potential usefulness as dietary supplements or inclusions in common foods.
Walnuts, rich in anti-inflammatory ingredients, potentially regulate neuroinflammation, improve cognitive function, reduce oxidative stress, and maintain gut health, thereby suggesting their use against neurodegenerative diseases.
2022 Nutrients Recent Studies on Protective Effects of Walnuts against Neuroinflammation Tan B, Wang Y, Zhang X, Sun X
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The methodology of the research includes a comprehensive review of the existing studies and experiments on walnuts and their active ingredients. These ingredients include large amounts of unsaturated fatty acids, peptides, and phenolic compounds known for their anti-inflammatory effects. Various studies covering the effect of these ingredients on the brain health of both rats and humans were analyzed. Specifically, the regulation of microglia activation induced by substances like amyloid β or lipopolysaccharides, the inhibition of peripheral inflammation led by macrophages, and the effects on oxidative stress and gut microbes were scrutinized.
In the discussion of results, the studies presented compelling evidence of the beneficial effects of walnuts and their components on neuroinflammation and potential ways to counteract neurodegeneration. There seems to be a consensus in the experimental investigations that the walnut’s active ingredients can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress while maintaining gut homeostasis. They also show promise in improving cognitive functions and memory in both rats and humans. However, it was noted that the evidence from human clinical studies is not as abundant or conclusive as the experimental work, although the potential of walnut-based functional foods in mitigating neurodegenerative diseases was recognized.
These reports suggest the benefits of a walnut-enriched diet in brain disorders and in other chronic diseases, due to the additive or synergistic effects of walnut components for protection against oxidative stress and inflammation in these diseases.
2020 Nutrients Beneficial Effects of Walnuts on Cognition and Brain Health Chauhan A, Chauhan V.
Systematic Review Alzheimer's Disease Brain Health Cognitive Function
Walnuts contain several components that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Animal and human studies from our and other groups suggest that supplementation with walnuts in the diet may improve cognition and reduce the risk and/or progression of mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease.
Furthermore, several animal and human studies have suggested that walnuts may also decrease the risk or progression of other brain disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and depression, as well as of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Together, these reports suggest the benefits of a walnut-enriched diet in brain disorders and in other chronic diseases, due to the additive or synergistic effects of walnut components for protection against oxidative stress and inflammation in these diseases.
Daily consumption of decaffeinated green tea catechins may enhance working memory.
2020 Molecules Effect of Daily Intake of Green Tea Catechins on Cognitive Function in Middle-Aged and Older Subjects: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study Baba Y, Inagaki S, Nakagawa S, Kaneko T, Kobayashi M, Takihara T
Randomised Controlled Trial Cognitive Function Green Tea Green Tea Catechin
The study incorporated a double-blind, randomized, controlled approach to determine the effects of 336.4 mg of decaffeinated green tea catechins on cognitive function. It targeted Japanese adults, aged 50 to 69 years, exhibiting a Mini-Mental State Examination Japanese version score of over 24 and who self-identified as having cognitive decline. The experiment comprised administering a substance and then examining the cognitive function post a single dosage as well as following 12 weeks of everyday consumption. The Cognitrax testing battery was utilized to assess cognitive function.
In the results, it was observed that the incorrect response rate on the Continuous Performance Test significantly fell after a single dosage of green tea catechins. After 12 weeks of regular intake, the response duration for the two-back test in Part 4 of the 4-part Continuous Performance Test reduced, indicating potential improvement in working memory. The data suggests that consuming green tea catechins daily may potentially lead to cognitive enhancements, particularly in working memory.
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