UPDATE: A new health revelation from Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a renowned gastroenterologist, has emerged, emphasizing a straightforward lunchtime habit that could reduce the risk of dementia by 17%. In a recent Instagram clip, Dr. Sethi shared that incorporating just 30g of unsalted nuts into your daily diet can lead to significant health benefits, particularly for brain health.
Current estimates reveal that between 944,000 and 982,000 people in the UK are living with various forms of dementia, a number projected to exceed one million by 2030 and reach 1.4 million by 2040, according to the Alzheimer’s Society. Globally, around 55 million people are currently facing dementia, with projections suggesting this could rise to 139 million by 2050.
In his video, Dr. Sethi, who trained at the prestigious Harvard and Stanford universities, stated, “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% compared to no daily nuts.” He emphasized that a simple handful of nuts—easily accessible at major supermarkets including Asda, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Morrisons—can provide essential nutrients beneficial for brain and gut health.
Dr. Sethi recommends a diverse selection of nuts to maximize dietary benefits, highlighting that Aldi offers an affordable mixed nut bag for just £1.75, containing almonds, cashew nuts, hazelnuts, and walnuts. Each 200g package yields about six servings based on the 30g serving size.
The health benefits of nuts stem from their rich nutrient profile, which includes antioxidants, unsaturated fatty acids, and fiber. Nuts, particularly walnuts, are noted for their high content of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids, believed to support cognitive health. A study conducted by UK Biobank found that individuals who consumed nuts daily had a significantly lower risk of dementia compared to those who did not.
However, Dr. Sethi cautioned that while nuts can be a healthy addition, they should be part of a balanced diet. “Eating nuts alone won’t significantly improve health unless paired with other nutritious dietary options,” he noted. Those with allergies to peanuts or tree nuts should avoid them, and individuals with high blood pressure are advised to limit their intake of salted varieties due to high sodium content.
As the urgency around dementia rises, this straightforward lunchtime habit could represent a proactive step towards safeguarding brain health. Dr. Sethi recommends including a handful of mixed nuts in your daily routine, stating, “I meet this goal every day by having a handful of mixed nuts at lunchtime.”
The potential of this simple habit to impact millions cannot be overlooked, especially as we face a growing global health crisis in dementia. Experts continue to advocate for further research to solidify the link between nut consumption and reduced dementia risk, but the message is clear: a small daily serving could make a significant difference.
Stay tuned for more updates on health trends and breakthroughs that could impact your life. Share this vital information with friends and family—your next snack could help protect your brain health!
