Peanuts: The Better Brain Food. - The Peanut Institute (2024)

Brain-Boosting Nutrients

So how can peanuts offer so many benefits in such a small shell? It all comes down to the unique blend of various vitamins, minerals, bioactive compounds and more:

  • Niacin: In a study of adults 65 and older, those who consumed more niacin showed a slower rate of cognitive decline and a 70% reduced risk for Alzheimer’s disease4 — and peanuts are an excellent source of niacin.
  • Vitamin E: Found to promote healthy brain aging and delay cognitive decline caused by Alzheimer’s disease.5 Peanuts are considered a “good source” of vitamin E.
  • Resveratrol: A bioactive found in peanuts, resveratrol is believed to be beneficial in fighting against Alzheimer’s disease and other nerve degenerating diseases.6
  • P-coumaric Acid: An antioxidant that appears to target the neurotransmitters in our brain that regulate mood, stress and anxiety. In 2014, authors of a study on p-coumaric acid noted that it may have similar effects for reducing stress as a leading anxiety-reducing drug, Diazepam.7

Skins are In

Not a fan of peanut skins? This might change your mind: a 2016 randomized controlled trial found that peanuts eaten with skins im-proved both cerebrovascular and cognitive function in men and women.8

The MIND Diet

If you needed more convincing of the power of peanuts, you only need to look at their inclusion in the MIND Diet. A combination of the Mediterranean and DASH diets, the MIND diet is unique in that it specifically includes foods that have been shown to benefit the brain.
In fact, in 2015, two separate studies on the effect of the diet re-ported slower age-related cognitive decline, and up to 53% lower risk for Alzheimer’s disease.9

Brain Food for Thought

If you want to support your brain with the right nutrition, the evidence shows that peanuts and peanut butter should be seriously top-of-mind — and top of your grocery list.

That being said, no one food can do it all, so be sure to power-up your diet with a variety of nutritious foods. If you need some help getting started, be sure to check out our recipes page and MIND Diet blog for some quick ideas.

Hungry for More?

Get a daily serving of recipes, facts, research and more from the world of peanuts and peanut butter by following The Peanut Institute on be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and Pinterest.

Peanuts: The Better Brain Food. - The Peanut Institute (2024)

FAQs

Is it true that peanuts are food for the brain? ›

Peanuts are a legume with an excellent nutritional profile. They contain plenty of unsaturated fats and protein to keep a person's energy levels up throughout the day. Peanuts also provide key vitamins and minerals to keep the brain healthy, including high levels of vitamin E and resveratrol.

What are the best 5 nuts for the brain? ›

5- Almonds, Cashews, Pecans, Macadamia Nuts,and Walnuts

For example, walnuts are good for the brain because they have higher levels of DHA, which is important for brain health. Harvard recently found that those who eat nuts on a daily basis have a 20% lower death rate.

What are the 5 benefits of peanuts? ›

Peanuts provide protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They may have other health benefits, including promoting fullness and helping protect against heart disease.

Why do I feel better after eating peanuts? ›

Peanuts are an energy- and nutrient-dense food. They boast the satiating combo of fiber, protein and fat to help keep you feeling energized after a meal. And they deliver an impressive dose of important nutrients like folate and magnesium.

What is the number one food for your brain? ›

Across the board, experts agree that eating leafy greens is essential for overall health, especially for your brain. Some of the green leafy vegetables that you can add to your meals are: Kale.

What is the best brain food for seniors? ›

Here is a top 10 list of brain foods for seniors that can be incorporated easily to support optimal brain health.
  • Dark Chocolate. ...
  • Eggs. ...
  • Fatty Fish. ...
  • Green Tea. ...
  • Leafy Greens. ...
  • Nuts and Seeds. ...
  • Turmeric. ...
  • Whole Grains.

What 3 foods are best for brain health? ›

The Best Foods for Brain Health
  • protein-rich legumes, beans, and nuts;
  • high omega-3 fatty fish, like salmon; and.
  • fruits and vegetables, particularly dark-colored berries and green leafy vegetables.
Sep 7, 2022

Which nut is good for mental health? ›

Almonds and phenolic acids

Almonds are rich in phenolic acids, which have also shown promising results in recent studies for reducing depression-like behaviors. Other nuts with these compounds include walnuts and pistachios.

Are peanuts better than almonds for the brain? ›

Although the difference is minimal, peanuts emerge as the winner in terms of protein content. Healthy Fats: Both peanuts and almonds are rich in healthy fats that play a vital role in heart health and brain function. Almonds are known for their higher monounsaturated fat content, which is considered heart-healthy.

Is there a downside to eating peanuts? ›

From inhibiting the absorption of other minerals such as iron, zinc, manganese and calcium, to wrecking your weight loss goals, to causing digestive issues, consuming too many peanuts can be bad for your overall health. Furthermore, those who are allergic to peanuts should refrain from eating it at all costs.

Is it OK if I eat peanuts everyday? ›

So, is it safe to eat peanuts every day? The short answer is yes*. You can have great health benefits from eating peanuts each day. Peanuts can be a great addition to a plant-forward lifestyle.

What organ are peanuts good for? ›

Heart Health and Weight Loss

Peanuts provide benefits for the most important muscle in the body, the heart. The fat in peanuts is primarily mono- and polyunsaturated and is proven to help support a healthy heart, particularly when replacing saturated fats.

What do peanuts do to your gut? ›

Peanuts are a good source of fiber, which helps reduce inflammation throughout your body as well as aids your digestive system. Research has demonstrated that for older people, eating peanut butter may help lower the risk of developing a certain type of stomach cancer called gastric non cardia adenocarcinoma.

Do peanuts detox your body? ›

Arginine helps to detoxify the liver by neutralizing the effects of ammonia and other toxic substances in the body. Peanuts have the highest level of arginine among foods (USDA SR-21).

Do peanuts improve memory? ›

When it comes to choosing the right healthy foods for your brain, peanuts and peanut butter are a nutritious option: they can help with improving memory, cognitive function and concentration, they can give your mood a boost, and they can even support the prevention of Alzheimer's disease.

Are nuts really good for the brain? ›

Eating nuts regularly is good for your brain. Nut consumption is linked to better cognitive function, reduced risk of depression, better mood, and enhanced memory, learning and attention capacity. Nuts contain fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants which have essential roles in many aspects of brain health.

Are peanuts part of the mind diet? ›

WITH A WEALTH OF ANTIOXIDANTS, VITAMINS, MINERALS, UNSATURATED FATS AND POLYPHENOLS, peanuts aren't just brain food—they're brain superfood! So it's no surprise that when the MIND diet was created to bring together the most brain-boosting foods, peanuts and peanut butter were high on their list.

How to sharpen your brain naturally? ›

Mental Sharpness – Find Out How You Can Sharpen It Further
  1. Exercise your brain by solving problems –
  2. Don't skip your yoga classes –
  3. Sleep like a baby –
  4. Follow a brain-boosting diet –
  5. De-stress –
  6. Learn a new language –
  7. Find a new hobby –
May 7, 2024

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