For the longest time, we have known that walnuts are great for your brain? However, do you know that eating walnuts before meals is extremely beneficial for health? Yes, that's right!
In a recent IG video, Neuroscientist Robert W.B. explained how consuming walnuts before meals benefits the body. Let's see how....
More than a snack
Walnuts serve as more than a simple snack, because they provide essential nutrients for brain health and sleep quality. The brain benefits from walnuts, because they contain vital nutrients which enhance memory function, brain operations and promote restful sleep. Consuming walnuts before meals establishes a simple yet intelligent practice for better health.
What makes walnuts special for the brain
The brain receives essential nutrients from walnuts which make them an excellent food choice. The brain benefits from omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and magnesium content in walnuts. Omega-3 fatty acids serve two essential functions in brain cells, by enhancing their operation and decreasing inflammation. The brain cells experience damage from free radicals which antioxidants work to protect against, while slowing down brain aging processes. The nervous system receives relaxation benefits from magnesium which also promotes normal sleep patterns.
Scientific research demonstrates that walnuts enhance human brain performance through improved memory, concentration and mental processing abilities. The University of Reading conducted
research which demonstrated that young adults who consumed walnuts during breakfast, achieved enhanced reaction times and maintained better memory performance throughout their day. The brain processing of walnut nutrients resulted in enhanced performance for attention and memory tasks.
Why eat walnuts before meals
According to neuroscientist Robert W.B. Love , eating walnuts before meals can improve digestion and prepare your body to better absorb nutrients. Walnuts stimulate the production of digestive enzymes, which break down food more efficiently and improve gut health.
Having walnuts before meals also slows down the eating process. This helps with portion control and prevents overeating by making you feel fuller sooner. The fiber and healthy fats in walnuts help stabilize blood sugar levels and reduce sudden spikes in hunger.
This small habit improves overall digestion, supports gut bacteria, and enhances nutrient absorption from the meal that follows. So, walnuts are a good pre-meal snack for brain, digestion, and appetite control.
Brain protection mechanism against aging
Brain function declines as people age, through the natural process of aging. Memory loss and Alzheimer's disease together with other conditions, start to develop in older adults. The brain receives protection from walnuts because they decrease oxidative stress and inflammation, which cause brain aging and damage.
The
journal Nutrients published a scientific review which demonstrated that walnuts decrease brain free radicals and inflammation to slow down memory deterioration. Animal research demonstrated that walnut-enriched diets enhanced learning abilities, and decreased anxiety symptoms. Research indicates that older adults who consume walnuts regularly develop enhanced cognitive abilities and better memory performance.
Additional benefits
Besides these benefits, walnuts help heart health by lowering cholesterol and inflammation. They are also good for digestion thanks to their fiber. Walnuts contain protein, vitamins, and minerals that support overall wellness.
