Research shows that seeds and nuts are "brain foods" that can also stabilize your mood

Monday, August 07, 2006 by: Dani Veracity
Tags: nuts and seeds, cognitive function, brain food

Can some foods make you smarter? Research shows that nuts and seeds just might boost your brainpower and balance your moods. That's right, everything from the most common nuts -- such as walnuts, hazelnuts, cashews and almonds -- to the more exotic seeds and nuts can clear up that "brain fog" and enable you to think clearer and be happier than you ever imagined.

Both figuratively and literally speaking, walnuts are "brain food." As Rebecca Wood points out in her "New Foods Encyclopedia," the walnut looks remarkably like the human brain. "The thin, outer green husk, which is removed before the walnuts are marketed, is likened to the scalp. The walnut's hard shell is like a skull. The thin envelope inside, with its paper-like partitions between the two halves of the nut, is like the membrane. The convoluted nut itself represents the human brain's two hemispheres." Now, you might not like to remember this resemblance while you're eating a handful of them, but you will want to remember that walnuts are made up of 15 to 20 percent protein and contain linoleic (omega-6 fatty acids) and alpha-linoleic acids (omega-3 fatty acids), vitamin E and vitamin B6, making them an excellent source of nourishment for your nervous system.

A healthy nervous system means both clearer and happier thinking, according to research. In fact, according to Readers Digest's "Fight Back with Food," under-consumption of omega-3-rich foods may actually lead to depression. The same walnuts that you can find in the baking aisle of just about any grocery store, may be able to boost your mood in a way similar to the famous antidepressant drug Prozac. Back in November 2004, NewsTarget covered the amazing antidepressant effects of omega-3 fatty acids.

As is the case with Prozac, walnuts' potential antidepressant effect pertains to serotonin, the important brain chemical that controls both your moods and your appetite. Like Prozac and other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor drugs (SSRIs), walnuts may influence the human brain's serotonin levels, according to Professor James Duke's book "Anti-Aging Prescriptions." That means that you may be able to relieve the disorders commonly treated with antidepressant drugs -- insomnia, depression, overeating and other compulsive behavior -- without the dangerous side effects.

Walnuts aren't the only nut with mood-boosting omega-3s, either. Gandhi praised flax seeds as a wonder food, and many nutritionists and health food fans everywhere agree. In fact, at a recent visit to the Canyon Ranch Health Resort, flax seeds were all the rage. Guests just couldn't get enough flaxseed bread and whole flax seeds as a garnish, and with good reason. Flax seeds are an excellent source for omega-3s, making them a viable source for those who don't like to eat fish, the most common source of omega-3s.

Like walnuts, flax seeds may offer an alternative to antidepressant pharmaceuticals, which are often loaded with side effects. However, as the editors of Bottom Line Health point out in their "Uncommon Cures for Everyday Ailments," the effectiveness of walnuts or any other emotion-boosting seeds and nuts depends on the severity of your mental disorder. Furthermore, boosting your moods with nutrition should not be used as a substitute for the care of a medical specialist.

Walnuts aren't the only common nuts that can boost your moods and your brainpower. According to Professor James Duke, many varieties of seeds and nuts contain tryptophan, an important amino acid that the brain converts to serotonin. Roasted pumpkin seeds and dry sunflower seeds are an excellent source of tryptophan, making them a safe, natural way to relive mild depression and insomnia. Additionally, sunflower seeds are high in thiamine, an important B vitamin for memory and cognitive function.

While you're in the nut aisle shopping for walnuts, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds, be sure to pick up some cashews, almonds, pecans and peanuts too. Each can improve your mental health in its own way. Cashews are high in magnesium, which can "open up" the blood vessels in your body, including those in your brain. When more oxygen-rich blood nourishes your brain, like any organ, it operates better. By providing your body with phenylalanine, adding almonds to your diet can do wonders for your mental and neurological health.

According to "Off the Shelf Natural Health: How to Use Herbs and Nutrients to Stay Well" author Mark Mayell, phenylalanine has the rare ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, where it then stimulates your brain to produce "the natural pain-killing and mood-boosting neurotransmitters dopamine, adrenaline and noradrenaline." Accordingly, phenylalanine-rich almonds can drastically reduce the symptoms of Parkinson's Disease, a neurological disorder that is always debilitating and often eventually deadly. Additionally, almonds are high in riboflavin, which may boost your memory. Peanuts and pecans provide another important nutrient for optimal brain function, choline. According to "Permanent Remissions" by Robert Haas, choline aids in both memory and brain development.

When you look at our history as a species, the knowledge that some seeds and nuts may enhance brainpower and moods makes perfect sense. As "Origin Diet" author Elizabeth Somer writes, seeds and nuts were an essential part of our ancestors' diets: "Up to 65 percent of our original diets were fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, and other plants. Our ancient ancestors ate pounds of produce every day. The other 35 percent came from wild game, low in saturated fats and rich in polyunsaturated fats called the omega-3 fatty acids.

Hundreds of studies spanning decades of research show that diets based on these foods are also the ones that lower disease risk, prevent obesity, boost energy and mood, improve mental function, and slow aging." Seeds and nuts are essential to a healthy, well-functioning brain and, if they're high in omega-3, essential to the brain development of an unborn fetus and growing child. It is worth your efforts to make them part of your diet, and that of your family.

The experts speak on seeds, nuts and your mental health:

"Walnuts are both figuratively and literally 'brain food'"

According to the Doctrine of Signature, since the walnut looks like the human brain, it is used for brain injuries and mental illness in traditional, plant-based medical systems. The thin, outer green husk, which is removed before the walnuts are marketed, is likened to the scalp. The walnut's hard shell is like a skull. The thin envelope inside, with its paper-like partitions between the two halves of the nut, is like the membrane. The convoluted nut itself represents the human brain's two hemispheres. Eating a handful of walnuts would not cure a concussion. However, walnuts freshly cooked in a rice congee (see page 290) and eaten daily for a week or more will energetically support the brain's healing.
New Whole Foods Encyclopedia by Rebecca Wood, page 363

Walnuts. Another of the great nuts, walnuts are a real brain food (they even look like little brains). The fatty acids and the 15-20 percent protein level nourish the nervous system, and the walnut when shelled looks remarkedly like the human cerebral cortex. The walnut is about 65 percent fat. It can be eaten raw or used in baking, and the pressed walnut oil can be used in cooking or even for oiling wood. It should be used fresh, though, as it is not very resistant to spoilage.
Staying Healthy With Nutrition by Elson M Haas MD, page 335

Walnut oil and walnuts add linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids for a well-oiled brain.
Superfoods by Dolores Riccio, page 439

Loaded with unsaturated fat, vitamin E, and ellagic acid, walnuts can lower cholesterol, fight cancer, and boost your brainpower. Use walnuts for baking or cooking, throw them in a salad for some crunch, or just munch on them for a tasty snack.
Eat and Heal by the Editors of FC&A Medical Publishing, page 349

In this section we consider the properties and healthful use of nuts and oil-rich seeds. These fatty foods are typically the best sources of vitamin E, which acts as a nerve protector and immune-enhancing antioxidant; common nuts and seeds also contain the greatest quantity of fats of all unprocessed foods--much of it in the form of essential fatty acids. Both fats and the fat-soluble nutrient, vitamin E, play an crucial role in liver function and its attendant emotions of anger, depression, and impatience. People who eat isolated fats such as refined seed oils have a greater need for vitamin E as an antioxidant to protect against the oxidation of these oils. On the other hand, if large amounts of isolated vitamin E is ingested, more fat is craved. By eating vitamin E as a component of the oils it naturally occurs in, for instance, in nuts, seeds, unrefined oils, and whole grains, there is less need to be concerned about taking supplemental vitamin E for protection.
Healing With Whole Foods by Paul Pitchford, page 490

Pyridoxal-5-phosphate, a form of vitamin B6, is involved in more bodily functions than almost any other single nutrient. It affects both mental and physical health and plays a role in the body's defenses against cancer. Food sources include brewer's yeast, carrots, chicken, eggs, fish, meat, peas, spinach, sunflower seeds, walnuts, and wheat germ.
Prescription For Dietary Wellness by Phyllis A Balch, page 10

Sunflower seeds are a good source of this essential B vitamin (0.7mg per ounce, or 43% of the Daily Value); thiamin promotes brain function, including memory.
Fight Back With Food by Readers Digest, page 73

Low thiamin levels were linked to some impairment in brain activity. Thiamin, known as die "nerve vitamin," is concentrated in wheat germ and bran, nuts, meat and fortified cereals.
Food Miracle Medicine by Jean Carper, page 279

According to him, this is the way they work: Tobacco releases stored sugar (glycogen) from the liver and this perks up one's brain. Sunflower seeds provide calories that give the same mental lift.
Encyclopedia of Fruits Vegetables Herbs by John Heinennan, page 323

Evidence is emerging that omega-3 fatty acids, such as those present in fatty fish, flaxseed, and walnuts, play a key role in optimal mental activity, which may influence mood and insomnia. Some findings suggest depression may be related to inadequate intake of these healthful fats.
Fight Back With Food by Readers Digest, page 73

It's a truth that Big Pharma hates to hear: omega-3 fatty acids prevent mental depression, and they do it without the dangerous side effects of antidepressant drugs. That's why healthy people avoid ALL prescription drugs and, instead, turn to nature by consuming whole foods, superfoods, healthy fish oils, good fats, nutritional supplements and other health-enhancing substances.
"Omega-3 fatty acids prevent mental depression without dangerous side effects of antidepressant drugs"

Serotonin is a brain chemical (neu-rotransmitter) that contributes to the regulation of mood and feelings of fullness. Many antidepressant medications, most notably the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as fluoxetine (Prozac), influence serotonin levels in the brain. Perhaps walnuts have the same effect.
Anti-Aging Prescriptions by James Duke PhD, page 268

Walnuts strengthen the blood, overcome debility and tonify the kidneys, liver and brain. They are good for relieving coughs, aiding intestinal smoothness, seminal emission in men, dry and withering skin, white hair, weight loss, forgetfulness, insomnia and neurasthenia.
The Herbs Of Life by Lesley Tierra, page 142

Walnuts are a yang tonic with some yin lubricating properties. As a brain tonic and for male impotence and lower back pain from yang deficiency, eat 20 walnuts a day for at least 1 -2 months.
The Way Of Chinese Herbs by Michael Tierra LAc OMD, page 104

Walnuts in the salad, along with fish, are good brain food.
Superfoods by Dolores Riccio, page 508

Another study showed that people free of Parkinson's said as young adults they ate more seeds, nuts and salad oils, rich in vitamin E. Thus, researchers speculate that too little vitamin E foods earlier in life might somehow leave the brain vulnerable to the onset of Parkinson's years later. There's even preliminary evidence that massive doses of vitamin E (800 to 3,000 units daily) may slow progression of the disease. More extensive tests of vitamin E therapy for Parkinson's are ongoing.
Food Your Miracle Medicine by Jean Carper, page 445

Eating lots of fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, and grains helps open the door to your storehouse of memories. These foods contain powerful antioxidants, like vitamin C, vitamin E, beta carotene, and selenium. Research shows as the level of antioxidant nutrients in your blood rises, so does your mental function.
Natural Cures And Gentle Medicines by The Editors of FC&A Medical Publishing, page 171

"Flax seeds also contain emotion-boosting omega-3 fatty acids"

Flax. Whether in the form of flaxseed oil or flaxseeds, this plant gives you a good amount of alpha-linolenic acid, a type of omega-3 fatty acid that lowers blood pressure and your risk for stroke. This wonder food, once praised by Gandhi, also fights arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, stomach disorders, and even mental problems. It also protects against cancers of the breast, prostate, and colon.
The Folk Remedy Encyclopedia by the Editors of FC&A Medical Publishing, page 155

The natural fats found in seeds, nuts, avocados, and olives also provide phytochemicals, health-enhancing compounds that lower disease risk. The fats in fish, flaxseed meal, and walnuts supply the omega-3 fatty acids that help prevent depression and age-related memory loss.
Food & Mood by Elizabeth Somer MA RD, page 279

Olives and olive oil, avocados, nuts, and omega-3 fatty acid--rich fish are not only safe, they are needed by our bodies and our brains. Of course, that doesn't give us license to go overboard. These fats are just as calorie-concentrated as saturated fat and will add inches to our waistlines if consumed in excess.
The Origin Diet by Elizabeth Somer, page 148

Omega-3 and omega-6 EFAs are polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) found naturally in vegetables, fish oils, and human milk. A correct balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in the body is crucial, as they have different functions and often complement each other. PUFAs are necessary for proper development of a child's brain and nervous system. Pregnant and nursing women should add PUFA-rich foods such as nuts, seeds, soy foods, flaxseeds, cold-water ocean fish, and vegetables to their diets.
Prescription For Dietary Wellness by Phyllis A Balch, page 252

"Fish are not only brain food, they're also 'anti-pain' food," says Germano. If you're not a fish lover, you can also get some omega-3 from nuts, seeds, and wheat germ.
Eat and Heal by the Editors of FC&A Medical Publishing, page 129

Feeling blue? Whether from PMS or menopausal hormonal fluctuations, certain snacks can boost your mood. Bananas, tomatoes, walnuts and carbohydrates, such as bread with jam, help the body raise levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain that regulates mood. Depending on the severity of your depression, changes in diet may offer some relief and can also work well in conjunction with other remedies, such as antidepressants or therapy.
Uncommon Cures for Everyday Ailments by the editors of Bottom Line Health, page 159

"Other common nuts and seeds with powerful brain-boosting abilities"

As for seeds, many varieties are rich in the amino acid tryptophan, a precursor to the brain chemical (neurotransmitter) serotonin. Serotonin is an antidepressant. Since people tend to overeat when they're depressed or anxious, eating seeds may help lift their spirits and prevent weight gain.
Anti-Aging Prescriptions by James Duke PhD, page 260

To ease the feelings of insomnia and mild depression that frequently accompany menopause, consume foods high in tryptophan, such as milk, poultry, and nuts. This amino acid is converted into the brain chemical serotonin, which promotes relaxation and rest. Tryptophan may also help reduce feelings of mild depression. Complex carbohydrates, such as beans, potatoes, and grains, may be helpful as well because they are believed to enhance the bioavailability of tryptophan in the brain.
Fight Back With Food by Readers Digest, page 73

Among the foods with the best ratios of tryptophan to other amino acids are roasted pumpkin seeds, dried sunflower seeds, bananas, milk, peanuts, and lentils. Still, you must eat relatively large amounts of these foods to approach the levels of tryptophan once widely available in supplements. For example, eating 100 grams, about 3.5 ounces, of pumpkin seeds, or drinking four cups of milk, provides a dose of about 500 mg of tryptophan. To boost mood, eat some of these tryptophan-specific foods while avoiding other sources of protein. Tryptophan can cause relaxation and even drowsiness in many people when used at night.
Off The Shelf Natural Health: How To Use Herbs And Nutrients To Stay Well By Mark Mayell, page 152

Also, he says, try to eat foods high in magnesium content, such as spinach and other dark green leafy vegetables, whole grains, cashews and soybeans. Magnesium relaxes muscles in the walls of blood vessels, including those running to the brain, which may help prevent migraines, says Dr. Klaper.
New Choices In Natural Healing by Prevention Magazine, page 428

Phenylalanine is found in common protein foods, including poultry, meats, soybeans, fish, dairy products, nuts, and seeds, as well as the synthetic sweetener aspartame. Such sources supply the average person with an estimated 500 to 2,000 mg of phenylalanine from diet alone. In the body it is able to cross the blood-brain barrier. It stimulates production in the brain of the natural pain-killing and mood-boosting neurotransmitters dopamine, adrenaline, and noradrenaline. Some studies show a beneficial effect on people with Parkinson's disease.
Off the Shelf Natural Health: How to Use Herbs and Nutrients to Stay Well By Mark Mayell, page 54

L-phenylalanine, which is found naturally in such protein-rich foods as cottage cheese, soy products, almonds, dry skim milk, and many more, can aid in appetite control (while nourishing the brain) if taken one hour before meals with juice or water.
Vitamin Bible By Earl Mindell, page 119

People who got enough riboflavin did better on memory tests. Best sources: liver, milk, almonds, fortified cereals.
Food Miracle Medicine by Jean Carper, page 279

Combine almonds, dates, and water into an almond milk, a traditional "brain food."
Power Foods by Stephanie Beling MD, page 139

Choline is a key component of lecithin, known chemically as phosphatidylcholine, a member of a family of fatty substances known as phospholipids. Studies have shown that choline plays an important role in brain development and memory and decreases the risk of getting heart disease and cancer. Like folic acid, choline can help lower homocysteine levels in the body... Foods rich in choline (Table 8.8) include wheat germ (1,400 milligrams per lk cup), peanuts (1,111 milligrams per lli cup), whole-wheat flour (613 milligrams per lli cup), and pecans (333 milligrams per lh cup).
Permanent Remissions by Robert Haas MS, page 186

The body uses L-carnitine to produce the enzyme acetyl-L-carnitine transferase, which boosts choline metabolism and releases acetylcholine in the brain. Good food sources of choline include eggs, soybeans, cabbage, peanuts, and cauliflower. Take up to 3 mg. of choline daily.
Earl Mindell's Supplement Bible by Earl Mindell RPh PhD, page 258

An essential amino acid, methionine is not synthesized in the body and so must be obtained from food sources or from dietary supplements. Good food sources of methionine include beans, eggs, fish, garlic, lentils, meat, onions, soybeans, seeds, and yogurt. Because the body uses methionine to derive a brain food called choline, it is wise to supplement the diet with choline or lecithin (which is high in choline) to ensure that the supply of methionine is not depleted.
Prescription For Nutritional Healing by Phyllis A Balch CNC and James F Balch MD, page 50

Phosphatidyl-choline is the major structural and functional component of brain-cell membranes. Without this chemical, brain cells undergo degenerative changes. The brain requires choline to produce acetylcholine, a chemical that plays a vital role in memory. Phosphatidyl-choline is derived from choline and lecithin; natural sources include eggs, soybeans, cabbage, cauliflower, organ meats, spinach, nuts, and wheat germ. Typical dose: one tablespoon of lecithin provides 250 mg of choline or supplement with 1,200 mg of phosphatidyl-choline, 2-3 times daily.
Alternative Medicine by Burton Goldberg, page 527

DILL Seed, Oil (Anethum graveolens) Umbellifer family. Grows 4-6 feet tall with feathery leaves and yellow flowers/seed clusters. Dose 10 grains to 1/2 tsp.; a preservative, aromatic, stimulant, carminative. Strengthens the brain, for nervousness, …
Anti-Aging Manual by Joseph B Marion, page 30

To a warm bath, add a little raw sesame oil or massage some into your shoulders, elbows, knees, and feet. Play a tape of forest or swamp sounds. For extreme anxiety, put one drop of sesame oil into each nostril with a dropper. This is very quieting because the nerves in your nose go right to the brain.
Asian Health Secrets by Letha Hadady DAc, page 14

"Gingko and other more exotic seeds and nuts"

Fresh or canned ginkgo nuts (fresh have a much better flavor) are available in Asian markets and some natural food stores. Use a nutcracker to crack the outer thin beige shell. Inside, the nuts are covered by a brown skin. To loosen the skin, put the nuts in a pot of hot water over a low heat for a few minutes. Leave the nuts in the water and then gently peel the skin with a slotted spoon. In recent years, scientists have found that the leaf of the ginkgo tree contains potent antioxidants that may help protect against cancer and heart disease. Studies have also shown that extracts of the ginkgo leaf can improve the flow of blood throughout the body, especially to the brain. Ginkgo is being investigated as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease and asthma. In Europe, ginkgo extract is a leading over-the-counter drug taken to promote good circulation and improve memory. Although little research has been done on ginkgo nuts, it stands to reason that the fruit of this tree must contain some beneficial compounds.
Earl Mindell's Soy Miracle by Earl Mindel RPH PHD, page 103

For thousands of years, the Chinese have used ginkgo seeds as a treatment for conditions that traditional medicine considered "wet and runny," such as asthma and tuberculosis. They also used them as an aid to digestion and to expel intestinal worms. They created a tincture or extract as an aid to circulation and mental performance. The coatings of the seeds were used as an insecticide. As early as 2800 b.c.e., they used ginkgo leaves to restore memory and ease breathing problems.
Ginko by Georges Halpern MD PhD, page 79

But I couldn't for the life of me figure out why he included one-third ginkgo leaves and seeds along with his other one-third schizandra fruit. It was explained to me by this patient, old fellow that ginkgo helped to increase the vital "life energies" passing through the brain.
Encyclopedia of Fruits Vegetables Herbs by John Heinennan, page 382

This herb can speed up brain activity. One of the extracts of periwinkle seeds works as a powerful enhancer of memory function by improving blood flow to the brain. In one study, secretaries who took periwinkle improved their ability to remember sequences of words by 40 percent. Take 20 to 40 milligrams a day, says Dr. Hauser.
Alternative Cures by Bill Gottlieb, page 437

Proanthocyanidin, a bioflavonoid extract derived from grape seeds or pine bark, provides antioxidant protection to the brain and central nervous system. It strengthens blood vessel walls and improves circulation. Increased blood flow helps prevent ischemia in brain tissue and reduce mental deterioration.
Alternative Medicine by Burton Goldberg, page 321

Powerful antioxidant compounds called procyanidins are found in an extract of grapeseeds. These compounds can help collect harmful byproducts of the body's chemical processes that exist in brain tissue. Typical dosage: enough extract to provide 50 to 200 milligrams of procyanidins per day.
The Herbal Drugstore by Linda B White MD, page 452

Proanthocyanidin, a bioflavonoid extract derived from grape seeds or pine bark, provides antioxidant protection to the brain and central nervous system. It strengthens blood vessel walls and improves circulation. Increased blood flow helps prevent ischemia in brain tissue and reduce mental deterioration.
Alternative Medicine by Burton Goldberg, page 321

GUARANA. Brazilian cocoa. Paullinia cupana. French: Quarane. Italian: Quarana. Spanish: Quarana. Legendary sacred fruit of the Amazon Indians. Seeds, roasted and ground to a fine powder. … [Used] to sustain the brain during prolonged mental effort. Stress-related headaches.
Bartrams Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine by Thomas Bartram, page 208

Isoflavones, a specific kind of phytoestrogen, are found mostly in soy-based foods like soybeans, tofu, miso, and soy nuts. Asian women eat about one type of soy food every day and report very few hot flashes and mood swings during menopause. This could mean they're getting some estrogen from their diet.
Eat and Heal by the Editors of FC&A Medical Publishing, page 251

Milk or marian thistle (Silybum marianum); seeds and roots; strengthens the memory because of the effect on circulation; excellent for liver congestion and disease; leaves good in salads, peeled stalks can be eaten fresh or baked into pies.
School of Natural Healing by Dr. John R Christopher, page 500

Zizyphus seeds help calm the mind and emotions, treating insomnia, irritability, palpitations, anxiety and nervous exhaustion. It also reduces spontaneous sweating or night sweats, amnesia and poor memory. This moistening, nurturing and strengthening herb helps lack of energy and blood and is safe for children and the weak or elderly.
The Herbs Of Life by Lesley Tierra, page 199

The oil from evening primrose seeds is high in an essential fatty acid called gamma-linolenic acid, or GLA. Canadian researchers have used evening primrose oil as a clinical treatment for Parkinson's and other tremor-causing disorders. Typical dosage: 2 tablespoons of evening primrose oil per day,- or 1,500 to 2,400 milligrams in capsules per day.
The Herbal Drugstore by Linda B White MD, page 453

"A historical perspective"

Up to 65 percent of our original diets ¦were fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, and other plants. Our ancient ancestors ate pounds of produce every day. The other 35 percent came from wild game, low in saturated fats and rich in polyunsaturated fats called the omega-3 fatty acids. Hundreds of studies spanning decades of research show that diets based on these foods are also the ones that lower disease risk, prevent obesity, boost energy and mood, improve mental function, and slow aging.
The Origin Diet by Elizabeth Somer, page 24

Psychoactive plants occur mainly among the highly-evolved flowering plants, and in one group of spore-bearing fungi; including scores of plants' barks, resins, flowers, seeds, and leaves. These plants have been used and revered through the centuries by high "priests" and medicine men of many cultures, by those independent religious seekers of understanding and oneness with the Great Spirit; and for stress-reduction, and spiritual Godlike insight by contemporary civilizations.
Anti-Aging Manual by Joseph B Marion, page 30

"Nuts and seeds are essential to a healthy, well-functioning brain"

During the last trimester of pregnancy, the fetus's brain undergoes a tremendous growth spurt, for which large amounts of Omega-3 DHA and Omega-6 ARA are needed. When a vegetarian mother-to-be consumes nuts, seeds, grains and oils that supply linoleic acid, the first member of the Omega-6 family, her body's enzymes are able to convert linoleic acid into enough ARA to take care of both her needs and the needs of her baby.
Omega 3 Oils by Donald Rudin MD and Clara Felix, page 90

If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, now is the time to make those dietary changes away from highly processed fats and oils, and enjoy the beneficial oils provided by nature, like deep-sea fish, butter, olive oil, raw nuts and seeds, and the like. These oils will help construct a healthy brain in your growing child.
The Crazy Makers by Carol Simontacchi, page 80

Glucose is not the only end product of photosynthesis. However, it is the most important one--especially for us, since our brains would starve in minutes without glucose. There are other carbohydrate end products which are responsible for all the rich variety of vegetables, fruits, grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds we enjoy.
Complete Guide Health Nutrition by Gary Null, page 67

The most important dietary fats are polyunsaturated fats, which are found in vegetable oils, nuts and seeds, and cold-water fish. They are the most biologically active of all fats and are involved in energy production, cellular membrane structure, and a host of other functions. Within this class of fats are two unique nutrients known as essential fatty acids (EFAs), which play vital roles in the maintenance of health and the optimal functioning of the brain.
The memory Solution by Dr. Julian Whitaker, page 73

By making conscious choices, not only did he feel good but his tremors were completely gone, the brain fog lifted, and his mental clarity sharpened. He reported that every neurological and physical symptom was gone simply by eliminating processed and unhealthy foods, eating live, healing foods (including nuts, seeds, vegetables, tubers, and fruits), drinking juices, allowing only positive thoughts, reorganizing his day, exercising, cleaning the environment, and cleaning his colon. Without any medical treatment his condition was reversed. He was not the only person in the group to show tremendous improvement; another woman with Parkinson's disease reported an improvement of about 90 percent by adhering to the protocol.
Power Aging by Gary Null, page 178

Low levels of DMG are present in meats, seeds, and grains. It is a safe, nontoxic food substance that does not build up in the body. No deficiency symptoms are associated with a lack of DMG in the diet, but taking supplemental DMG can have a wide range of beneficial effects, including helping the body maintain high energy levels and boosting mental acuity.
Prescription For Nutritional Healing by Phyllis A Balch CNC and James F Balch MD, page 67

Nuts also contain pyrazine, which triggers the pleasure center of the brain. The mere smell of a freshly opened can of mixed nuts or a jar of peanut butter provides a strong whiff of pyrazine and a hefty dose of pleasure chemicals. Many of my clients binge-eat nuts due to their unfulfilled desires for pure fun and enjoyment.
Constant Craving by Doreen Virtue PhD, page 196

Fruits and nuts are brain food? Yes, according to recent experiments by research psychologist James Penland, Ph.D., at the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center. That's because fruits and nuts are high in boron, a trace mineral diat appears to affect the electrical activity of the brain. Skimping on boron can subdue your mental alertness, says Dr. Penland, meaning you could have difficulty performing certain tasks. Where, specifically, is boron? In nuts, legumes, leafy vegetables such as broccoli and fruits, especially apples, pears, peaches and grapes. You would get your entire test dose of three milligrams of brain-stimulating boron if you ate only a couple of apples (one milligram of boron) and three and a half ounces of peanuts (two milligrams of boron) in a day.
Food Miracle Medicine by Jean Carper, page 278-9

By the psychoactive chemicals we ingest through smelling. Foods in the nut group--including coffee, chocolate, and all nuts--give off an odor called pyrazine. Pyrazine triggers the pleasure center of the brain, stimulating the production of many feel-good chemicals. This mood-altering chemical reaches our brain through our olfactory senses--that is, through our noses. That's one of the reasons why the smell of ground coffee or mixed nuts makes us feel so good, when we first open the can.
Constant Craving by Doreen Virtue PhD, page 114