Smarter after a handful of pecans? This is what science says

Pecans aren't just delicious in pie, they also seem to be good for your brain. At least in the short term.

This is what American researchers claim based on a new study published in the journal Nutritional Neuroscience .

Participants in the study performed better on cognitive tests after drinking a shake with pecans. Their scores on tasks including memory and processing speed were higher than after a shake with saturated fats. In total, they scored better on 8 of the 23 tests.

The control group performed slightly better on only three tests. According to the researchers, the healthy fats and antioxidants in pecans may play a role in this improvement.

The comparison was made between two nearly identical shakes, except for the fat source. One shake consisted of whipped cream, milk, and chocolate milk powder . The other contained the same milk and chocolate milk powder, but had pecans as the main fat source. Both shakes were equally caloric.

After drinking the shake, participants took cognitive tests at various times. The differences were most apparent one hour after drinking.

Whether the effects also apply in the long term is still unknown. Also, all participants were young and healthy, so it is questionable whether elderly people or people with health problems experience the same benefits.

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