Nuts and Older Adults’ Health: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Although the beneficial effects of nuts on cardiometabolic diseases have been well established, little is known about the effects of nuts on age-related diseases. Given that age-related diseases share many biological pathways with cardiometabolic diseases, it is plausible that diets rich in nuts might be beneficial in ameliorating age-related conditions. The objective of this review was to summarise the findings from studies that have examined the associations or effects of nut consumption, either alone or as part of the dietary pattern, on three major age-related factors—telomere length, sarcopenia, and cognitive function—in older adults. Overall, the currently available evidence suggests that nut consumption, particularly when consumed as part of a healthy diet or over a prolonged period, is associated with positive outcomes such as longer telomere length, reduced risk of sarcopenia, and better cognition in older adults. Future studies that are interventional, long-term, and adequately powered are required to draw definitive conclusions on the effects of nut consumption on age-related diseases, in order to inform dietary recommendations to incorporate nuts into the habitual diet of older adults.

Associations between nut intake, cognitive function and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in older adults in the United States: NHANES 2011-14

“…An exception was delayed recall, where significantly higher score was seen with intake greater than 30 g/d. The positive associations between nut intake and cognitive function in this study of relatively healthy older US adults was consistent with previous observational studies that reported significant associations between nut intake and global cognitive function in older adults with or without mild cognitive impairment [ 24 ]. Longitudinal studies also reported that higher nut intake was associated with slower cognitive decline in this population over the study follow-ups [ 23 , 47 ].…”

“…It has been proposed that increased nut consumption improves vascular function including endothelial function, arterial compliance, blood pressure and cerebral vascular function, all of which are risk factors that have been implicated in cognitive impairment and dementia [19]. Indeed, there is epidemiological evidence that links nut intake to better cognitive function in older adults [21][22][23][24][25]. Previous reviews have suggested that this positive association between nuts and cognition may be related to the antioxidant properties of nuts [26,27].…”

A Comprehensive Review of Almond Clinical Trials on Weight Measures, Metabolic Health Biomarkers and Outcomes, and the Gut Microbiota

“…Several emerging RCTs suggest that almonds may play a role in improving working and visual memory and help to reduce facial wrinkle severity and width. Additionally, emerging data indicates that the intake of nuts such as almonds is associated with improved health status of older adults (e.g., longer telomere length and lower risk of sarcopenia) [116].…”

Consumption of peanut products improves memory and stress response in healthy adults from the ARISTOTLE study: A 6-month randomized controlled trial

“…Nuts are rich in unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and phytochemicals such as polyphenols. There is evidence indicating that nut consumption protects brain health and improves cognitive function, including memory and executive functions [2,3]. A randomized crossover trial carried out by Barbour et al showed an enhancement in cerebrovascular reactivity (defined as the change in cerebral blood flow in response to a vasodilatory or vasoconstrictive stimulus) and cognitive function in healthy overweight middle-aged adults consuming 56e84 g/day of high-oleic peanuts for 12 weeks [4].…”