If you want one simple thing that can improve your health as you get older, here it is: Walnuts. That’s it! According to a Nurses’ Health Study, walnuts were the only nut linked with a greater chance of healthy aging. And that was true even after accounting for all the other variables that affect aging, from lifestyle to wealth.
The study found that eating just two servings of walnuts a week – which is about 14 walnuts – was linked with a greater chance of being a “healthy ager” compared to a diet without any walnuts.
So what’s so great about walnuts? They have more healthy fat than almonds – which makes them a better choice for brain and heart health. They’re high in omega-3 fatty acids, which have an anti-inflammatory effect that can help keep blood pressure in check. There’s also a lot of research showing that walnuts are linked to better brain health, especially for people who are at risk for cognitive decline. One more thing in the plus-column for walnuts: They have prebiotic compounds, to keep your gut healthy.
So remember – to age well, eat 14 walnuts a week.
