Walnuts are the top nut for brain health. They have a significantly high concentration of DHA, a type of Omega-3 fatty acid.
A newly published study says that walnuts, hazelnuts and almonds could be a preventive agent against cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's. For researchers, walnuts are the top nut for brain health.
Walnuts, almonds, and pistachios are perfect for reducing stress and anxiety. Walnuts contain high omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for a healthy nervous system and can help reduce stress and anxiety. Almonds are rich in magnesium, which helps to relax muscles and reduce stress.
Nuts. Nuts like almonds, pistachios and macadamias each bring something special to the table. Almonds help improve memory, pistachio nut oils help preserve fatty acids and prevent inflammation, and macadamias contribute to normal brain function. Yet, the top nut award certainly goes to the walnut.
Cashews.
Cashews are rich in tryptophan, a neurochemical that our bodies turn into serotonin. They are also rich in magnesium and vitamin B6, both essential for the overall health and for controlling mood swings. Stick with unsalted nuts and avoid large packages. Remember that just a handful per day should be enough.
5. Almonds. Researchers³ have shown that magnesium may be an effective treatment for anxiety-related symptoms, as inadequate magnesium reduces the level of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain. Just 1 ounce of almonds (that's about 12 nuts) contains 75mg of magnesium, which is 19% of your daily recommended value ...
3. Walnuts. Omega-3 fatty acids are often linked to improved brain health, and walnuts are an excellent plant-based source of this nutrient. Unsaturated fats like nuts, seeds, and avocados are imperative to brain function, and a diet too low in overall fat may result in regular brain fog.
Nuts, Seeds and Legumes
All of these are shown to promote brain health and reduce age-related cognitive decline. Foods such as walnuts, almonds, peanuts, soybeans, lentils, flax seeds and pumpkin seeds are all good choices to add to your diet if you're looking to score these benefits.
Several nuts, including walnuts, cashews, almonds, peanuts, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds, are good sources of serotonin. Walnuts are known to lessen the symptoms of depression, as they are the richest plant-based omega-3 fatty acids.
APP-transgenic mice (AD-tg) with the APP gene mutation show memory deficit and Aβ deposition in the brain and are considered an animal model of AD. The recommended daily serving of walnuts is 1–1.5 oz, i.e., 28–42 g, which is equivalent to 12–18 walnut halves.
Beef and Foods Rich in Vitamin B Ease Anxiety
You can take a vitamin B supplement or eat foods that are rich in B vitamins to ward off anxiety. These foods that help with anxiety include beef, pork, chicken, leafy greens, legumes, oranges and other citrus fruits, rice, nuts, and eggs.
Try to eat something with protein several times a day, especially when you need to clear your mind and boost your energy. Good sources of healthy proteins include beans and peas, lean beef, low-fat cheese, fish, milk, poultry, soy products, and yogurt. The right food choices may help lift your mood.
Brazil nuts, cashews and macadamia nuts are higher in saturated fat. Too much of this can contribute to raised cholesterol levels, so only eat them occasionally. Chestnuts are an exception – they're lower in all types of fats and higher in starchy carbohydrate than other nuts.
Almonds, macadamia nuts, hazelnuts and pecans also appear to be quite heart healthy. So are peanuts — though they are technically not a nut, but a legume, like beans. It's best to choose unsalted or unsweetened nuts. Adding salt or sugar to nuts may cancel out their heart-healthy benefits.