Researchers at Maastricht University in the Netherlands explored how a daily mix of nuts affects the brain’s blood vessels and cognitive function in older adults over several months. The study focused on how long-term nut consumption could influence cerebrovascular health and memory, with findings published in a reputable nutrition journal.
The trial enrolled 28 older men and women who volunteered for the program. Over four months, participants in the test group consumed 60 grams of a nut blend each day. The blend included cashews, walnuts, hazelnuts, and pistachios. Throughout the study, researchers repeatedly measured the brain’s peripheral vascular function and assessed cognitive performance at baseline, during, and after the intervention.
Results indicated specific benefits linked to hazelnuts within the mix. Those who ate hazelnuts showed lower intake of cholesterol and carbohydrates, alongside higher consumption of dietary fiber and healthy fats compared with the control group. The health of the brain’s blood vessels and the participants’ memory performance improved by about 16% in the hazelnut-consuming group.
Across the entire study period, scientists did not observe any negative effects associated with the nut-enriched diet. The findings contribute to a growing body of evidence suggesting that regular consumption of mixed tree nuts may support vascular health in the brain and help maintain cognitive function in older adults, aligning with broader dietary recommendations that emphasize nutrient-dense foods for aging populations.
In interpreting these results, researchers noted that the observed vascular and cognitive improvements may be linked to the nutrient profile of nuts, which includes high-quality fats, protein, fiber, and a range of micronutrients. While the study highlights hazelnuts as particularly beneficial within the mix, it also underscores the potential value of including a variety of nuts to achieve diverse nutrient intake and cardiovascular support. Overall, the work reinforces the idea that simple dietary choices, like a daily handful of mixed nuts, can play a meaningful role in healthy aging and brain health for seniors.