Study Finds Walnut-Rich Breakfast Enhances Cognitive Performance in Young Adults

Research reveals that eating 50 grams of walnuts at breakfast improves reaction times and memory later in the day.

The study involved 32 healthy young adults aged 18 to 30, who consumed either a walnut-rich or a calorie-matched nut-free breakfast on separate occasions.
Participants who ate the walnut breakfast demonstrated faster reaction times throughout the day and improved memory recall six hours after consumption.
Brain activity monitoring showed increased efficiency in regions associated with attention and memory during cognitive tasks after eating walnuts.
The cognitive benefits are attributed to walnuts' omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and polyphenols, which may enhance brain function and energy metabolism.
Participants rated the walnut breakfast as less palatable, which may have influenced mood negatively, but the study highlights the potential for simple dietary changes to improve mental performance.