As we age, maintaining brain health becomes just as important as caring for the rest of our body. New findings are shining a light on an unexpected ally for cognitive support: the humble peanut. Recent research suggests that a simple daily habit—enjoying unsalted, skin-roasted peanuts—may help improve memory and support healthy blood flow in the brain.

In this article, we break down what the science reveals, why peanut skins may be the “secret weapon,” and what this means for your long-term brain wellness.

---

Key Highlights

• Eating 60 grams of unsalted, skin-roasted peanuts daily improved verbal memory by nearly 6% in older adults.

• MRI scans showed higher global and regional brain blood flow.

• No weight gain was observed, despite the extra calories.

• Antioxidants and fiber in peanut skins may play a key role.

---

Why Peanuts Support the Aging Brain

Researchers believe the cognitive benefits come from two main factors: L-arginine and bioactive compounds in peanut skins.

L-arginine, a naturally occurring amino acid, is known for its ability to increase blood flow by supporting nitric oxide production. When blood flow in the brain improves, oxygen and nutrients can reach brain cells more efficiently—key for maintaining memory and cognitive performance.

Meanwhile, peanut skins contain antioxidants that help protect brain cells from oxidative stress. This combination may offer a powerful one-two punch: better circulation and better protection for aging neural pathways.

As study author Peter J. Joris explains, the brain is highly metabolically active, and without adequate oxygen and nutrients, essential functions like memory simply cannot operate at their best.

---

What the Study Looked Like

The research, conducted in the Netherlands, followed 31 healthy adults aged 65 to 75 with no major health issues and no peanut allergies. Using a crossover design, each participant completed two phases:

• 16 weeks eating peanuts daily

• 16 weeks avoiding peanuts

This method allowed researchers to compare results within the same individuals, making the findings more reliable.

MRI imaging and computerized memory tests revealed that daily peanut consumption led to significant improvements, including:

• 3.6% increase in global cerebral blood flow

• 4.5% increase in gray matter blood flow

• Up to 6.6% higher blood flow in brain areas tied to memory and language

• Better performance on verbal memory tasks

---

Surprising Finding: No Added Weight Gain

One concern with calorie-dense foods like nuts is weight gain. But in this study, participants naturally adjusted their eating habits throughout the day, resulting in no increase in body weight, even with the additional 340 calories from peanuts.

This suggests that peanuts may be an easy and practical snack to incorporate into a balanced diet—without worrying about unwanted pounds.

---

What We Still Don’t Know

While the results are promising, researchers still haven’t pinpointed which component provides the biggest benefit. It may be:

• L-arginine

• Antioxidants in the skins

• Healthy fats

• Or a combination of factors

It’s also worth noting that the study used unsalted, skin-roasted peanuts. Flavored, candied, or heavily processed peanuts may not offer the same benefits.

---

Bottom Line

Adding two small handfuls of unsalted, skin-roasted peanuts to your daily routine may be a simple and effective way to support memory and brain blood flow as you age. Although more research is needed to fully understand the mechanism, this easy nutrition change could be a smart step in protecting long-term cognitive health.

---

CKD Health Closing Reminder

This article is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before making changes to your diet, especially if you have existing health conditions or concerns.