There is a simple, tasty, and natural ingredient that can help you start your day easily and stay focused even in the afternoon!
This little miracle is none other than the walnut
Yes, the classic walnut you recognize from grandma’s cake, which many only bring out at Christmas, but it’s actually worth its weight in gold – especially in the morning!
According to a 2023 study led by the University of Barcelona, consuming just 30 grams of walnuts daily – about a small handful – regularly can improve cognitive performance, especially during stressful periods. The study examined over 600 college students over 2 years. They found that walnut consumers performed better on tests measuring memory, attention, and decision-making.
This was reinforced by a recent study conducted with the collaboration of the University of Reading. The results were also clear: walnut eaters performed better here as well, particularly in memory and focus. It also turned out that a walnut-boosted breakfast exerts its power “delayed”: late morning and afternoon, just when we usually try to survive the second half of the day.
Why Should You Start Your Morning With Walnuts?
Your Brain Works Faster Already in the Morning
The Omega-3 fatty acids and polyphenols found in walnuts are true superfoods for your brain. According to researchers, thanks to these, we react faster and make decisions more efficiently just a few hours after breakfast.
If you have a busy morning, this little trick can help you avoid staring at the monitor in a fog and actually make progress with your tasks!
Your Memory Will Also Be Grateful
Walnut consumption does not immediately improve memory either: you can really feel its effect about 6 hours after eating it. When fatigue increasingly sets in and it becomes difficult to remember what and how you wanted to do something, walnuts help you focus. This is especially useful if you have an important meeting, some studying, or a few spreadsheets to check in the afternoon.
Provides Balanced Mental Performance
Many breakfasts only last for a short time. Pastries and coffee, for example, quickly boost your energy level – which then drops even faster. Walnuts, however, support your mental performance over a longer period, especially if they are part of a more complex breakfast on your menu, such as in oatmeal, yogurt, or smoothies.
Helps You Focus and Manage Impulses
Walnut consumption also has a positive effect on so-called executive functions. These include mental abilities such as concentration, planning, or refraining from saying something out of anger. If you are trying to keep your day together as a mother, entrepreneur, or a universal office worker, you will definitely appreciate this effect!
You Quickly Gain Steady Energy From It
During the study, after walnut consumption, higher blood sugar levels but lower fatty acid levels were measured in the blood, which means your brain gets energy faster and more efficiently. This may also contribute to feeling fresher and keeping the thought of an afternoon nap far away!
