5 minute read
Food for the Brain
A study from the University of Barcelona provides further evidence that peanut consumption has a positive effect on cognitive functions.
Food for the Brain
According to Dr Samara Sterling, a scientist at The Peanut Institute, “When you break down the nutritional structure of peanuts, they have a unique combination of vitamins, minerals and bioactive compounds, including resveratrol, niacin, vitamin E and coumaric acids, that can contribute to cognition and mental health.”
This statement seems to have been confirmed by a recent study at the University of Barcelona, Spain, where more than 60 students participated in a controlled trial, consuming 25 grams a day of roasted peanuts with skin or 32 grams of peanut butter. During the study, other students consumed a similar quantity of a control butter which was free of phenolic compounds and fiber. Several products rich in resveratrol, an antioxidant present in peanuts, such as dark chocolate and wine, were excluded from the diet.
Before and after the process, scientists administered neuropsychological tests and questionnaires in order to assess the cognitive function of the students and found a positive impact from peanut consumption.
32
As Dr Rosa Lamuela-Raventos, the lead researcher, said,
“The improvement of memory function and stress response after consuming regular peanuts and peanut butter seem to be related to the mental health effects of bioactive compounds such as resveratrol and p-coumaric acid found in peanuts, as well as the increased level of short chain fatty acids and very long chain saturated fatty acids in plasma and feces associated with peanut consumption.”
Increased responsiveness of brain blood vessels (University of South Australia)
The study was performed at the University of Barcelona (Department of Nutrition, Food Sciences and Gastronomy, XIA, School of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, at the INSAUniversity of Barcelona and CIBEROBN).
Of course, this is not the first time that a positive correlation has been found between peanut consumption and an improvement of cognitive functions. A few years ago, for example, a significant trial conducted by the University of South Australia came to a similar conclusion: “High-Oleic
peanut supplementation had the potential to optimize
circulatory function and improve cognitive function,” as Dr Alson Coates, the researcher, stated at the time.
How nutrients in nuts contribute to brain health (University of South Australia)
B GROUP VITAMINS (folate, vitamin B2, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12)
POLYUNSATURATES FATTY ACIDS
VITAMIN E
Necessary for the production of specific components of the brain, such as neurotransmitters and cell structure
Critical components of neuronal cell membranes, maintaining membrane fluidity and communication between brain cells
Directly involved in nervous cell membrane protection through its action as an antioxidant
MAGNESIUM AND CALCIUM Regulation of brain cell communication (neurotransmission)
ZINC
IRON
TRACE MINERALS SUCH AS MANGANESE AND COPPER
Component of enzymes an das a structural component of many proteins, hormones, hormone receptors and molecules involved in brain cell communication (neuropeptides)
Necessary to ensure oxygenation of the brain, as well as for the synthesis of neurotransmitters and myelin
Participate in enzymatic mechanisms that protect against free radical damage
Neuroprotective function through its role as an antioxidant
33
34
35
The Fundamental Importance of Soil
The ideal conditions for peanut growing.
37
The growth and development of peanuts are influenced mainly by temperature: the physiological processes of the plant take place, ideally, between 20 and 35 degrees Celsius. The average daily temperatures that are necessary in order to achieve good peanut yields range between 18 and 33 degrees. The ideal temperatures for growth range between 25 and 30 degrees, and between 28 and 33 degrees for flowering and maturity. As far as rain is concerned, between 500 and 700 millimeters of rain is necessary during the crop cycle, even though it is possible to achieve satisfactory yields starting with 400 millimeters during the growth season.
Due to the features of their flowering, peanuts have particular edaphic requirements. They need deep and well-drained soil. Ideally, a loamy sand soil, though they can grow in clay sand soil as well. The fields should include calcium, boron and magnesium, and bear a moderate content of organic matter. All these features facilitate the development of an ample root system, the penetration by the peg, the growth of the fruit, and allow for the digging of clean shells. In heavier soils of a finer texture, harvesting becomes more difficult and the plant is exposed to flooding and its dire consequences.
As for the pH, the best yields are achieved in slightly acid soils, with pH ranging between 6.0 to 7.0. Nevertheless, it is also possible to obtain good yields starting with a pH of 5.5; it is fundamental, however, that the pH is not below 5 in order to avoid toxicity problems. Certain peanut varieties can bear up to an 8.0 pH, which can be considered an alkaline-tolerant cultivar. However, an excess of sodium or alkaline may provoke problems in germination, growth and yield.
39
This issue of the World Peanut Magazine has been completed thanks to the efforts of:
Ricardo Vanni
Argentina
University of Corrientes
Ye Chu
USA
Department of Horticulture, The University of Georgia
Josh Clevenger
USA
Hudson Alpha Institute for Biotechnology
Peggy Ozias-Akins
USA
Department of Horticulture, The University of Georgia
Samara Sterling
USA
The Peanut Institute
Robson Fonseca
Brazil
Coplana
Manuel Eduardo Vicondo
Argentina
National University of Cordoba
Mariela Monetti Ricardo Pedelini
Argentina
Argentina National Institute of Agriculture Technology
Martin Frigerio
Argentina
Argentina Peanut Foundation
Javier Martinetto Gabriela Alcorta Verónica Quiroga Soledad Bossio Edoardo Fracanzani Sebastián Della Giustina
Argentina
cam (Argentina Peanut Chamber)
Graphic Design and illustrations. ese-estudio.com.ar Typography. Journalist by Sergio Rodriguez / Cantarell by Dave Crossland / Work Sans by Wei Huang Illustration pag. 06. Felix Díaz Lozada Picture pag. 28. Genomic DNA extracted from 11 individuals representing nine Arachis species / t.ly/b4lk Weather icons. by asylab. www.freepik.com
40
Cámara Argentina del Maní
20 de Septiembre 855 “A”. (X5809AJI) General Cabrera · Córdoba, Argentina Tel +54 358 4933118 cam@camaradelmani.org.ar
