For Sharper Thinking in the Afternoon… Eat Walnuts at Breakfast
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A recent study has found that eating walnuts for breakfast can enhance reaction speed during cognitive tasks throughout the day — helping you think faster.اضافة اعلان
According to Study Finds, the benefits of walnuts on memory only became noticeable six hours after consumption, indicating a delayed effect that could support mental performance in the afternoon.
Key Findings from the Study:
Conducted at the University of Reading, the study was commissioned by the California Walnut Commission.
It showed that eating walnuts in the morning improved reaction times in complex cognitive tasks throughout the day.
32 young adults (aged 18 to 30) participated in the controlled trial, visiting the lab twice.
The Experiment Setup:
In one session, participants ate a breakfast containing 50g of ground walnuts mixed with muesli and yogurt.
In the other session, they ate a nearly identical breakfast, but with butter replacing the walnuts.
Both meals had equal calories, but only the walnut meal provided omega-3 fatty acids and polyphenols — plant compounds known for their health benefits.
Cognitive Testing Timeline:
Participants completed cognitive tasks:
Right after breakfast
2 hours later
4 hours later
6 hours later
Quick Thinking vs. Better Memory
In tasks measuring focus, decision-making, and impulse control, participants consistently performed faster after eating walnuts than after the butter-based breakfast.
However, in word-learning memory tests, participants actually performed worse two hours after eating walnuts.
Surprisingly, after six hours, the trend flipped: those who had eaten walnuts remembered significantly more words than the control group.
Brain Activity Backed the Results
Brain scans revealed that walnut-eaters showed stronger activity in specific brain wave ranges, indicating heightened mental engagement during tasks.
Bottom Line:
Walnuts at breakfast may not boost short-term memory immediately, but they can sharpen your thinking throughout the day and enhance memory later in the afternoon — making them a smart choice for sustained brain performance.
According to Study Finds, the benefits of walnuts on memory only became noticeable six hours after consumption, indicating a delayed effect that could support mental performance in the afternoon.
Key Findings from the Study:
Conducted at the University of Reading, the study was commissioned by the California Walnut Commission.
It showed that eating walnuts in the morning improved reaction times in complex cognitive tasks throughout the day.
32 young adults (aged 18 to 30) participated in the controlled trial, visiting the lab twice.
The Experiment Setup:
In one session, participants ate a breakfast containing 50g of ground walnuts mixed with muesli and yogurt.
In the other session, they ate a nearly identical breakfast, but with butter replacing the walnuts.
Both meals had equal calories, but only the walnut meal provided omega-3 fatty acids and polyphenols — plant compounds known for their health benefits.
Cognitive Testing Timeline:
Participants completed cognitive tasks:
Right after breakfast
2 hours later
4 hours later
6 hours later
Quick Thinking vs. Better Memory
In tasks measuring focus, decision-making, and impulse control, participants consistently performed faster after eating walnuts than after the butter-based breakfast.
However, in word-learning memory tests, participants actually performed worse two hours after eating walnuts.
Surprisingly, after six hours, the trend flipped: those who had eaten walnuts remembered significantly more words than the control group.
Brain Activity Backed the Results
Brain scans revealed that walnut-eaters showed stronger activity in specific brain wave ranges, indicating heightened mental engagement during tasks.
Bottom Line:
Walnuts at breakfast may not boost short-term memory immediately, but they can sharpen your thinking throughout the day and enhance memory later in the afternoon — making them a smart choice for sustained brain performance.
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