Daily Peanut Consumption May Improve Brain Insulin Response in Older Adults
A daily handful of peanuts may improve brain insulin response and memory functions in older adults, according to a new clinical study from Maastricht University Medical Center.
A daily handful of peanuts may significantly improve the brain's insulin response in regions associated with memory and learning among older adults, according to a new study published in the scientific journal Food & Function.
Researchers from Maastricht University Medical Center in the Netherlands examined the effects of regular peanut consumption on 31 healthy participants aged 60 to 75. Over a 16-week period, participants consumed 60 grams of roasted peanuts with their skins on and without added salt daily, compared against a control period with no peanut intake.
Brain Imaging Reveals Enhanced Memory Processing
Results demonstrated improved insulin sensitivity in the right hemisphere of the brain, particularly within the hippocampus, which manages learning and memory processes, and surrounding areas critical for cognitive function.
To measure brain response, researchers administered intranasal insulin and utilized specialized MRI scans to monitor blood flow changes across brain regions. Scientists noted that insulin plays a vital role in neuronal communication and memory, though brain response to the hormone typically declines with age.
Nutritional Composition and Previous Findings
These findings build upon a 2025 study by the same research team, which revealed that a 16-week peanut diet led to a 3.6 percent increase in total cerebral blood flow and a 5.8 percent improvement in verbal memory.
Researchers attribute these benefits to the rich nutritional profile of peanuts, including healthy fats, dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals, plant protein, and L-arginine, an amino acid the body uses to produce nitric oxide, which helps dilate blood vessels and improve circulation.
Scientists caution that the study does not prove peanuts prevent dementia or halt cognitive decline entirely. Due to the modest sample size of 31 participants, further large-scale, long-term studies are required to confirm whether these cognitive benefits persist over extended periods.
