Going Nuts

There is so much new research coming out every day, and we are here to help give you the main points…without all the fluff. That way, you can get back to your busy lives. The stars of the show today are creamy, yet crunchy. They are absolutely nuts!   

There is a lot of buzz around nuts these days, particularly walnuts, almonds, pine nuts, peanuts, and hazelnuts. Not only are they full of iron and protein, these little gems are packed with high levels of folic acid and essential fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6. 

A study done by the Barcelona Institute of Global Health, among many another, suggests that these nutrients (essential fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6) may help promote neural tissue development, particularly in the frontal areas of the brain, which deal with memory and executive functions (Gignac et al., 2019). It also may be especially effective if mammas begin nut consumption in early pregnancy and continue throughout their pregnancy and throughout breastfeeding (should they choose to do so). These researchers found that attention span, working memory and cognitive function appeared to be higher in children whose mothers ate more nuts during the first trimester of pregnancy, as compared to mothers who did not. Talk to your doctor and/or nutritionist about incorporating a small handful of nuts, particularly during early pregnancy to help boost your Babba's brain function!  

*Try adding some hazelnuts or walnuts to your brownies or banana bread for an extra nutty kick! You can also try enjoying a spoonful of peanut butter with some apples or dates as an incredibly nourishing snack!