Recent research confirms what we’ve been telling you about for years…

Adding this snack to your diet might help you avoid Alzheimer’s.

A study at the David Geffen School of Medicine examined the link between this weird-looking food and brain function. The team found that the people who ate about a handful of these a day scored better on mental tests.1 These included memory, concentration, and even coordination.

And age didn’t matter. Even the oldest subjects saw benefit.

Another study testing the effects of these nuts on mice found they didn’t just improve cognitive function… This snack also reduced anxiety.2 High levels of anxiety are a precursor to dementia.3

And the evidence doesn’t end there. Not by a long shot.

So, what is this brain food you should be eating more of?

Walnuts.

You already know about their other health benefits…like lowering blood sugar levels. Health Watch readers may also remember reading about their ability to lower cancer risk. Their heart-protective properties even had the FDA calling for them to be labeled a drug. And now their brain-boosting perks continue to add up…

Alzheimer’s strikes when a toxic protein invades your brain. Think of it as mold growing on your brain. As it gets bigger, it kills brain cells. But in a separate study, researchers in New York found a way to fight off these proteins—just by using walnut extract.4

Walnuts are also rich in vitamin A. Research shows it helps block the growth of these killer proteins.5 And they’re a great source of omega 3-fatty acids. Getting more walnuts also give you alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).6 Studies show this amino acid is a powerful supporter of brain health.7

If you’re going to add more walnuts to your diet…snack the smart way. Eat them plain. Or crush them up and mix them into a salad. You may find you’re more alert and focused throughout the day.

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References:
1http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12603-014-0569-2
2http://www.ibtimes.co.in/walnuts-keep-alzheimers-bay-some-other-research-proven-methods-612147
3http://www.alzinfo.org/articles/anxiety-depression-increase-dementia-risk/
4http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/walnuts-appear-to-delay-onset-of-alzheimers-disease-new-study-finds/2014/10/20/d357bc7e-58a6-11e4-b812-38518ae74c67_story.html
5http://www.medicaldaily.com/possible-new-alzheimers-treatment-protein-transthyretin-fights-amyloid-build-ups-brain-284442
6http://www.ibtimes.co.in/walnuts-boost-memory-prevent-dementia-621274
7http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/2130.htm