Dementia diet: Can this Christmassy nut help halt risk of Alzheimer’s?
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One in six Britons over the age of 80 have dementia. According to the Alzheimer’s Society, on average one person is diagnosed with dementia every three minutes in the UK. That’s more than 200,000 each year. However, a healthy diet can help to cut your risk of developing dementia. Which Christmas snack could halt the onset of brain decline?
One of the most famous Christmas stories follows a family and their magical nutcracker, your nutcracker may not be enchanted but the nuts you use it on can work wonders for your health.
Walnuts are credited with many health benefits.
These tasty plant-based snacks are higher in antioxidants than any other common type of nut, meaning they fight oxidative damage in your body.
Walnuts are also high in Omega-3 fats and can fight inflammation.
Research suggests walnuts may particularly help brain function.
What is the science behind walnuts and brain health?
Studies on animals and in labs have shown some of the nutrients found in walnuts, including polyunsaturated fat, polyphenols and vitamin E, can halt oxidative damage and inflammation in the brain.Sam Bilton
Another study looking at Alzheimer’s disease in particular found feeding mice walnuts saw “significant” improvements in their cognition, memory and anxiety levels.
Observational studies in humans have shown similar results, but further studies are needed.
Eating walnuts has also been linked to lower levels of ‘bad’ cholesterol, with studies suggesting eating around 40 grams of walnuts per day could bring your reading down.
There are plenty of reasons to keep a bowl of walnuts on hand over Christmas, but while this nut is closely associated with Christmas, you can enjoy them all year round.
How your diet influences your risk of dementia
Close to one million Britons are living with dementia.
Although there is currently no cure, research into risk factors for dementia means there is greater awareness about how lifestyle choices can reduce your risk of developing dementia.
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According to the Alzheimer’s Society, delaying the onset of Alzheimer’s disease could save tens of thousands of lives each year.
The Alzheimers Society says: “The best way to reduce your risk of dementia is to adapt various aspects of your lifestyle, including eating certain foods, taking regular exercise, not smoking, and maintaining normal blood pressure and cholesterol levels.”
The Mediterranean Diet has been credited with reducing the risk of dementia, and this diet’s focus on eating healthy fats from plant-based sources also suggests snacking on nuts.
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