“Walnuts contain nutrients like healthy fats, antioxidants, and vitamin E that promote brain health by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation,” explains Zhu.

Research shows that the nutrients in almonds, hazelnuts and walnuts may help prevent or even treat Alzheimer’s disease5.

“Plant compounds found in walnuts have also been shown to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain, reducing the risk of brain disorders,” says Chaudhry. English walnuts (the most popular type) contain several phytochemicals6, including an abundance of polyunsaturated fatty acids that promote brain health. Polyphenolic compounds in walnuts reduce brain cell inflammation and improve neurogenesis7formation of new neurons in the brain.

One study also found that regular nut consumption tended to may be associated with a reduction in the risk of cognitive decline8.