Do Walnuts Look Like Brains Because They Are Good For Brains?

I recently read an article about Alzheimer's disease that helped me decide to recommit to eating nuts. In the article from Vegetarian Times, the author examines dietary and environmental factors that contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease, and makes recommendations for foods that can help protect you from developing Alzheimer's disease and sharpen your memory in general. One of the recommendations the author makes is to add a small quantity of nuts to your daily diet, since nuts contain ample amounts of Vitamin E:
"...Vitamin E is your fire extinguisher. It is a powerful antioxidant—it neutralizes free radicals. You’ll find it in spinach, mangoes, and sweet potatoes, and in much larger amounts in nuts and seeds.

It makes a real difference. In the Chicago study, people who ate these vitamin E–rich foods had less than half the Alzheimer’s risk, compared with people who were missing vitamin E. The amount that made a difference was 8 milligrams per day—which you’ll find in just 11/2 ounces of almonds."

One of my favorite ways to enjoy nuts is in a snack I call The Scone Substitute. I started eating The Scone Substitute as a way to stop myself from eating pastries mid-morning at work (which I totally love, especially scones). Somehow, this combination usually scratches my itch for a bready sweet treat, and it combines three foods that are excellent for me- blueberries, yogurt, and nuts. 

The Scone Substitute

6oz goat yogurt (or other yogurt of your choice)

1/2 cup blueberries

1/4 cup toasted walnuts

Mix together and enjoy!

Toasting nuts really brings out their flavor, and I think it is worth the few extra minutes it takes. Toasted nuts are also a great addition to salads, particularly those with fresh, tender greens and fruit.

How to toast nuts

Skillet method: Heat a dry skillet on the stove. Add nuts and stir frequently until toasted.

Oven method: Heat oven to 300F. Put nuts on cookie sheet and toast in oven, shaking pan occasionally until nuts are toasted.