Daily Peanuts May Support Memory and Brain Health, Study Finds
A study from Maastricht University Medical Center in the Netherlands suggests that eating two servings of unsalted, skin-roasted peanuts each day may support brain health and memory in older adults.
Published on November 1, 2026, in the peer-reviewed journal Food & Function, the research found that consuming 60 grams of peanuts daily for 16 weeks improved insulin responsiveness in specific memory-related brain regions. These included areas in the right hemisphere that overlap with the hippocampus.
Lead researcher Peter Joris, Associate Professor at NUTRIM (Institute of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism), said the effects may be associated with several compounds in peanuts working together. One is L-arginine, an amino acid that helps the body produce nitric oxide, which supports healthy blood vessel function and memory processes.
The findings build on earlier research from the same team, which reported that regular peanut consumption was associated with:
- A 3.6% increase in overall cerebral blood flow
- A 5.8% improvement in verbal memory performance
The latest study offers a promising dietary insight for older adults concerned about cognitive decline. However, it did not prove that eating peanuts prevents Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Researchers say the results point to a simple, affordable habit that may support healthy brain aging.
Source: ScienceDaily – Scientists Discover a Surprising Brain Benefit of Eating Peanuts Every Day