Adding peanuts to your diet may improve memory, researchers say

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Eating peanuts every day might help older adults improve their memory and how well their brains work, according to a recent study.

A study published on November 1, 2025, in the journal Clinical Nutrition showed that eating peanuts daily may benefit brain health in adults aged 60 to 75. After 16 weeks, researchers observed improved blood flow to the brain and better memory performance in participants.

Researchers at Maastricht University Medical Center investigated whether making small changes to one’s diet could help maintain brain health with age.

Daily peanut intake linked to improved brain blood flow

Researchers studied 31 healthy adults and had them eat about two servings (60 grams) of unsalted, roasted peanuts each day. Using brain scans, they discovered that blood flow to the brain increased by 3.6% over the course of the study.

According to Dr. Peter Joris, a researcher at the university, the amount of blood flowing to the brain – known as cerebral blood flow – is a key indicator of how well the brain’s blood vessels are working. This flow delivers vital oxygen and nutrients the brain needs to stay healthy.

The study also showed more blood flowing to areas of the brain linked to memory and thinking, specifically the frontal and temporal lobes.

Besides improved blood flow, people in the study remembered words 5.8% better after 16 weeks. Daily peanut consumption was also linked to lower blood pressure and pulse pressure.

Researchers suggest that keeping the brain’s blood vessels healthy could help protect against memory loss as we age, since blood vessel function naturally weakens over time.

Joris explained that more and more people are experiencing memory loss or being diagnosed with dementia. Because peanuts are a common and healthy food, he believes they’re a good subject for studying how to stay mentally sharp as we age.

A new study is currently gaining a lot of attention online, following previous reports last month. Those reports suggested that smelling your own farts might protect against Alzheimer’s, and that eating specific cheeses could help prevent dementia.

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2025-12-30 19:18