Do almonds increase memory power?

We’ve all heard it, right? The age-old advice passed down from our elders, especially around exam time: “Eat almonds, it will make you smarter!” And honestly, how many of us have actually followed this? I know I’ve been told to munch on almonds as soon as exams are near, with the hope that they would somehow give me a memory boost.

And, let’s be real here, we’ve all typed something like “How many almonds to eat to get brainy?” in our search bar, right?

I have, and I’ve even noticed that once you start typing “almond,” Google conveniently suggests “almonds increase memory power” like it’s the world’s best-kept secret. Naturally, I couldn’t resist diving deeper into whether or not this is really true.

Is this a myth, or is there a scientific basis behind it? After some digging and research, I’ve found some pretty interesting findings. And to be honest, the answer I found didn’t really shock me. But let’s go through it step by step, shall we? Do almonds really increase memory power?

Do almonds really increase our memory?

Let me start by referencing a study that was published in Brain Research Bulletin in 2016. Now, you might be wondering, “Why this study?” Well, it’s one of the more notable pieces of research in this area that used a direct approach to see if almonds actually affected memory.

In this study, rats were given an almond suspension (about 400 mg/kg/day) for four weeks. They were then divided into two groups. One group was injected with scopolamine, a drug that causes memory loss in animals, just before memory tests were conducted. The results were quite telling—almonds showed a significant improvement in memory retention, especially in the rats who had been injected with scopolamine!

In other words, even when their memory was chemically impaired, the rats who were given almonds performed better on the memory tests. That’s pretty impressive, right?

So, based on this study, it’s safe to say that YES, almonds increase memory power. But—before you start gorging on almonds and hoping to ace every exam from now on, let’s dive into the bigger picture.

BUT WAIT!!

I know what you’re thinking: “Okay, so almonds help memory. I’ll eat them by the handful!” But before you go overboard with your almond consumption, let’s get one thing straight: eating almonds alone isn’t going to turn you into the next Einstein or Sheldon Cooper (though, I wish it worked that way, right?).

If eating almonds made you an intellectual powerhouse, then I’d wager that every kid who dutifully consumes their daily almond dose, as their parents suggest, would be bagging Olympiad medals. But that’s not the case, is it?

You’re probably scratching your head right now and thinking, “Wait, so you’re saying almonds do help with memory, but not intelligence? That’s confusing!”

I get it. It seems like I’m giving mixed signals here. But trust me, I’m not playing tricks on you. Let’s break this down once and for all.

Intelligence vs. Memory: The Real Difference

Here’s where things get interesting. You see, intelligence and memory are not the same thing. Memory is just one piece of the puzzle. Intelligence, on the other hand, is much more complex and multifaceted.

I came across an article published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) that sums this up perfectly. It reads:

“Intelligence can be defined as a general mental ability for reasoning, problem-solving, and learning. Because of its general nature, intelligence integrates cognitive functions such as perception, attention, memory, language, or planning.”

As you can see, memory is just a part of intelligence. That means even if you manage to boost your memory with almonds (or any other method), that doesn’t automatically make you a genius.

Memory helps you store and retrieve information, but intelligence is more about how you use that information to solve problems, think critically, and learn from your experiences. So, while almonds might improve memory retention, they’re not necessarily going to make you a better problem solver, nor will they instantly give you an edge in reasoning or decision-making.

The Power of a Balanced Brain

Here’s where I want to emphasize something important: no single food is a magic bullet for brainpower. Yes, almonds have their perks. They’re packed with nutrients like vitamin E, antioxidants, healthy fats, and magnesium, all of which are beneficial for overall brain health. However, in order to optimize your cognitive abilities, you need more than just almonds. You need a balanced diet, good sleep, regular exercise, and, of course, continuous learning and mental stimulation.

Let’s talk about the big picture. To truly enhance cognitive functions, you need to nurture your brain in a variety of ways. Eating almonds can certainly help you stay sharp, but it’s only one small part of the equation.

1. Sleep: We all know this is crucial. When you don’t get enough sleep, memory consolidation and cognitive functions suffer. A well-rested brain is a productive brain. (Probably the most convenient amongst all, so I hope you won’t mind following this one at least.)
2. Exercise: Physical activity doesn’t just strengthen your body, it strengthens your mind too. Regular exercise increases blood flow to the brain, which boosts its performance. You can go play your favourite sport, go to the gym, or just a round in the pool.
3. Mental Exercise: Just like physical exercise, your brain needs a workout. Try challenging yourself with puzzles, reading, learning new skills, or engaging in creative hobbies to keep your mind sharp. It can be learning a new language you’ve always wished to learn, solving math problems or coding problems, or whatever that gives you the “kick”.
4. Nutrition: While almonds are great, your brain thrives on a diverse, nutrient-rich diet. Omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish), antioxidants (found in berries), and a variety of other vitamins and minerals are all key to maintaining brain health.

A Word on Moderation

Now, before I wrap this up, let’s talk about how much is too much when it comes to almonds.

Like with anything in life, moderation is key.

Almonds are nutrient-dense, so while they’re great for your brain and overall health, eating too many can lead to unwanted calories. For most people, a handful (about 10-15 almonds) is more than enough to reap the benefits without overdoing it.

Excessive consumption of almonds might also cause digestive issues for some people, especially those with nut allergies or sensitivities. So, remember to keep it balanced and eat them in moderation.

The Bottom Line: Almonds, Memory, and Intelligence

To conclude, it’s clear that almonds can help boost memory retention, but they are by no means a magic fix for becoming a genius. They play a role in improving brain health, but they are only one piece of a much larger puzzle.

If you want to increase your memory power and intellectual abilities, you need to focus on a combination of strategies: eating a well-balanced diet, getting enough sleep, exercising, and keeping your brain active. Almonds can certainly support your brain in doing that, but they alone won’t make you the next big scientific mind.

Still can’t stop thinking about almonds? If you’re interested in how they can also help with something else—like weight loss—check out my post on their surprising impact here: