Daily peanut consumption linked to improved brain function in older adults

Peanuts, despite technically being legumes rather than nuts, provide similar heart and metabolic advantages, delivering plant-based protein and healthy fats.

A study published in *Food & Function* investigated the impact of daily peanut consumption on brain function. Researchers found that consuming two daily servings (approximately 60 grams) of unsalted, roasted peanuts improved insulin responses in brain regions associated with memory.

Insulin plays a vital role in brain function, impacting memory, learning, and communication between nerve cells. “As people age, the brain may become less responsive to insulin, which has been linked to age-related cognitive decline,” explained Dr. Peter Joris, the study’s senior author.

The study involved 31 healthy adults aged 60 to 75. Participants consumed two servings of peanuts daily for 16 weeks, with variations in timing – all at once, spread throughout the day, or incorporated into meals – and a control period without peanuts. Researchers utilized arterial spin labeling magnetic resonance imaging (ASL-MRI) to measure regional cerebral blood flow after administering insulin through the nose.

Increased blood flow to the brain ensures adequate oxygen and nutrient delivery, supporting cognitive function. Cognitive performance was also assessed using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery.

Changes in brain insulin response were observed in memory-related regions, indicating a potential boost in brain power from peanut consumption. A separate study conducted in 2025 mirrored these findings, demonstrating increased cerebral blood flow and improved verbal memory after four months of peanut consumption.

“Multiple nutrients present in peanuts, including unsaturated fats, dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals, and bioactive phytochemicals, could potentially contribute to the observed brain benefits,” Joris stated. Peanuts are a rich source of L-arginine, an amino acid that aids in nitric oxide production, which is essential for learning and memory. They also possess antioxidant properties that may slow aging by reducing inflammation and preserving telomere length, which are protective caps on chromosomes that shorten with age, potentially contributing to age-related diseases.