Dr Sethi has shared a simple snack that can help reduce the risk of this devastating condition
Following an easy lunchtime routine could lower people’s risk of developing a devastating condition affecting nearly one million people. Dr Saurabh Sethi, a gastroenterologist, has claimed that the savoury snack he has on hand at every midday meal has been scientifically proven to reduce dementia risk.
The medic, who qualified from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and holds a Master’s in Public Health from the University of Texas School of Public Health, also trained at prestigious Harvard and Stanford universities. Speaking in an Instagram video, he said: “Science says that if you eat 30g of nuts every day that are unsalted, you could reduce your risk of all-cause dementia by 17% as compared to no daily nuts.
“Nuts are nutrient-rich with multiple bioactive compounds, including antioxidants, unsaturated fatty acids and fibre that offer benefits for brain and gut health.” The doctor compared a 30g portion to “just a handful of nuts a day”.
Mixing different varieties can add a bit of variety to your diet, with ready-made options readily available across major supermarkets, including Asda, Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Morrisons. Budget-minded shoppers can pick up one of the most affordable mixed bags at Aldi for just £1.75, featuring almonds, cashew nuts, hazelnuts and walnuts, reports the Express.
The 200g packet would provide roughly six portions based on the recommended 30g serving size. If certain nuts aren’t to your liking, Dr Sethi claimed that eating a single kind of nut will give similar benefits.
Dr Sethi pointed out that a small handful of nuts typically packs around 200 calories. This makes them a reasonably nutritious snack option, especially if you are watching your calorie intake
However, people will only experience the advantages if they maintain a balanced diet and lifestyle. Consuming nuts alone will not have any meaningful impact unless it is complemented by other beneficial diet choices. The medic also shared that he achieves this target daily by enjoying “a handful of mixed nuts during lunchtime”.
What is all-cause dementia?
The phrase ‘all-cause dementia’ covers all varieties of dementia, which are conditions and injuries that result in brain damage leading to mental deterioration. It serves as an umbrella term covering different forms, including Alzheimer’s, vascular dementia, and dementia with Lewy bodies.
An estimated 944,000 to 982,000 people are currently living with all-cause dementia across the UK. This figure is projected to climb beyond one million by 2030 and reach 1.4 million by 2040, the Alzheimer’s Society reports. Globally, 55 million people are battling dementia. Experts predict this figure will surge to 139 million by 2050.
Why can nuts help with dementia and brain health?
Consuming nuts may be linked to a reduced dementia risk, especially when eaten daily as part of a balanced diet. Research claims nuts safeguard brain health thanks to their rich supply of antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, and other vital nutrients.
Walnuts, packed with the plant-based omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), are believed to bolster cognitive health. A study by UK Biobank discovered that daily nut munchers had a lower risk of dementia compared to those who didn’t indulge.
The research suggests that eating plain, unsalted nuts every day could reduce your risk of dementia. It also suggests that cutting down on salt is a good move. While these studies show a positive link, more investigation is needed to back up the findings.
Obviously, if you’re allergic to peanuts or tree nuts, it’s best to steer clear unless a healthcare professional says otherwise. Those who struggle with swallowing should also avoid nuts to prevent choking hazards.
If you’re prone to kidney stones, you might want to avoid high-oxalate nuts like cashews and Brazil nuts. And for those with high blood pressure, it’s a smarter move to limit or avoid salted nuts due to their high sodium content.