A new research published in the magazine Nutritional Neuroscience highlighted how the pecan walnutsthanks to the high concentration of polyphenols, they can favor a temporary improvement in cognitive abilities. The participants in the study obtained significantly superior results in the memory tests and mental processing speed after drinking a Shake enriched with Pecan, compared to when they took on a smoothie rich in saturated fats. The experiment involved 31 young adults and took place in controlled conditions.
The pecan They are oily fruits originating in North America, produced by the tree Carya Illinoinensis. With a buttery and delicate flavor, they are often used in desserts – above all the traditional pecan pie – But I’m also one casket of precious nutrients. In addition to good fats, fiber and minerals such as manganese, zinc and thiamina, these walnuts are distinguished by the very high content of polyphenolsnatural antioxidant compounds known for their protective effect against inflammation and oxidative stress.
Already previous studies had suggested that polyphenols could support the cognitive function, helping to prevent that drop in attention that often manifests itself after meals. The study in question wanted to deepen this hypothesis, evaluating the acute impact – or in the short term – of the intake of pecan walnuts on a series of cognitive tests.
The protocol: controlled diet, cognitive tests and comparison between smoothies with and without pecan walnuts
The research team led by Alyssa J. Guadagni involved 31 healthy adultsbetween 18 and 30 years old, including 16 men. Each participant took part in two experimental sessions at a laboratory, in a drawing randomized, in double blind and crossover. In practice, half of the participants first received the control smoothie (rich in saturated fats), while the other half started with the pecan walnut shakes.
To guarantee reliable results, the researchers asked the subjects to follow, for 24 hours before each session, a controlled dietwith 50–55% of energy from carbohydrates, 15–20% from proteins and 25–30% from fats. It was also required to avoid foods rich in polyphenols: the researchers provided a detailed list of foods to avoid and suggested a food plan for breakfast and lunch. At dinner, the participants consumed a standardized meal based on Mac & Cheese And animal biscuitsto keep nutritional values constant.
During each visit to the laboratory, the participants carried out tests to measure drowsiness and motivationfollowed by Compass cognitive test battery. Then they drank one of the two smoothies:
Both smoothies were similar in caloric content, sugars, fibers and total fats, but the control contained many more saturated fat. After taking, the participants repeated cognitive tests at regular intervals: after 1, 2, 3 and 4 hours. In conjunction with each test, blood samples were also taken.
The results: superior mental performance with pecan walnuts
The data that emerged are clear: After drinking the pacan walnut smoothiethe participants got better scores in 8 of the 23 cognitive testsin particular those related to memoryat the speed of processing and at learning skills. On the contrary, only 3 tests (two on memory and one on executive functions) showed better results after taking the smoothie rich in saturated fats.
This suggests that pecan walnuts, also consumed in a single dosecan offer immediate cognitive benefitsprobably thanks to the high presence of polyphenols and the overall favorable nutritional composition. The authors conclude that pecans could be considered one Food source with protective effects for the brain.
Of course, the study has limits. The effects observed are short -lived And it is not clear whether they can also influence performance in real life, outside an experimental context. In addition, the sample was restricted and composed only of healthy young adults: new studies will be needed to evaluate the impact of pecan walnuts on older people or with pathologies.
