Daily Walnut Consumption May Influence Mood, Study Finds

KARACHI: Eating walnuts daily may have a positive effect on mood, according to a recent study that examined the impact of eight weeks of walnut consumption on young adults and explored whether the changes were associated with specific biological processes in the body.

Walnuts contain omega-3 fatty acids, tryptophan, fibre and polyphenols, which may play roles in brain health and biological processes linked to mood.

Researchers examined urinary levels of 5-HIAA, cortisol and urolithins during the study. 5-HIAA is a metabolite used as an indicator of serotonin metabolism, while urolithins are produced when gut bacteria transform certain compounds found in walnuts.

The study involved adults aged 20 to 35. Following initial screening of 84 individuals, 36 participants were enrolled, of whom 31 completed both phases of the study.

According to the findings, overall mood disturbance scores were 4.85 points lower during the walnut-consumption phase than during the control phase.

Researchers also observed reductions in anger and fatigue. However, these differences were no longer statistically significant after adjustments were made for multiple comparisons.

The study found no significant differences in friendliness, energy and enthusiasm, perceived stress or general well-being.

Researchers said the findings could help improve understanding of the possible relationship between walnut consumption, mood and specific biological changes in the body.

However, they stressed that larger and longer-term studies are needed to confirm the results and establish whether regular walnut consumption can produce consistent improvements in mood.

The findings suggest that walnuts may have potential relevance to mood-related research, but further evidence is required before firm conclusions can be drawn about their effects on mental well-being.