Eating for better brain health isn’t hard when it’s delicious. And this dietitian-recommended recipe is both tasty and good for your noggin.
The star of the show is walnuts, which are touted for their brain- and heart-heath boosting nutrients. But walnuts are also a source of healthy, filling plant-based protein, and this subtly sweet and crunchy snack will make you want to reach for more.
Nutrition Tip of the Day: Try This Plant-Based Snack for an Easy Brain Health Boost
This simple, delicious recipe is a winner for brain health, says Natalie Rizzo, registered dietitian and TODAY nutrition editor.
Her Cinnamon Roasted Walnuts recipe is a flavorful, sweet-and-salty concoction that takes just 10 minutes in the oven to make. And the walnuts the recipe relies are packed with nutrients that benefit your brain.
While they may be reminiscent of candied nuts, these walnuts are tossed with just a hint of maple syrup to keep them from getting too sweet.
Why It Matters
Walnuts are one of the healthiest nuts you can eat and one of the most beneficial foods for brain health and heart health.
They’re rich in a type of plant omega-3 fatty acid called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which has been linked to both heart and brain health, TODAY.com explained previously. Walnuts also contain an amino acid called L-arginine which both support your heart.
Walnuts also provide a bit of fiber and healthy plant protein, about 4 grams per 1-ounce serving.
Of course, walnuts alone aren’t the secret to lasting brain and heart health. But eating walnuts as part of an overall healthy lifestyle may be beneficial, and research has linked regular walnut consumption to better cognitive health and improvements in cholesterol numbers.
How to Get Started
Rizzo’s recipe is simple. It only requires four ingredients and 10 minutes in the oven. And you can feel free to customize it the way you like it. Use honey instead of maple syrup, for instance, or add other warm, fall spices.
While these tasty walnuts make a great, crunchy snack on their own, try pairing them with other brain- and heart-healthy foods to get even more benefits. For instance, eat them with fresh blueberries over Greek yogurt, or use them to top a veggie-packed salad.
See the full recipe here:
TODAY’s Expert Tip of the Day series is all about simple strategies to make life a little easier. Every Monday through Friday, different qualified experts share their best advice on diet, fitness, heart health, mental wellness and more.