Walnuts may speed up brain recovery after stroke, study finds

**Nuts may speed up brain recovery after stroke, study finds**

A study by Monash University researchers found that eating nuts may speed up brain recovery after a stroke. The study analyzed data from 1,771 volunteers with an average age of 61.

Participants were asked about their dietary habits and were also given tests of memory, processing speed and reasoning. The researchers used MRI to measure brain and hippocampal volume, and measured proteins in the blood that are linked to the health of the nervous system and blood vessels.

When the data from 1,742 participants who had not previously had a stroke was analyzed, higher nut consumption was associated with better overall cognitive performance. This association was particularly strong in people with poor diet quality and low physical activity. In physically active participants, higher nut consumption was associated with larger overall brain volume.

They also had higher levels of VEGF in their blood. The researchers explained that this protein is involved in the formation of new blood vessels and may help repair damaged tissue.

Researchers suggest that the healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals in nuts may support brain health. However, the study does not prove that nuts directly improve cognitive function or prevent stroke altogether.