Cashew nuts may help boost cognitive development in babies

Researchers have found that by eating cashews during pregnancy and lactation, mothers can improve th…

Researchers have found that by eating cashews during pregnancy and lactation, mothers can improve their offspring's cognitive development. This was revealed in a new study, published in the "International Journal of Developmental Neuroscience."

Researchers noted that cashew nuts are rich in essential fatty acids, which are crucial for the development of the brain.

The researchers split rats into three groups: control, which was treated with 7% lipid derived from soybean oil; normolipdic, treated with 7% lipids derived from cashew nuts; and hyperlipidic, treated with 20% lipids derived from cashew nuts.

The study concluded: "The results of the lipid profile of the brain at the end of the experiment showed an increase in levels of saturated fatty acids and less Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in animals of the hyperlipidic group."

"The data showed that maternal consumption of cashew nuts can accelerate reflex maturation and facilitate memory in offspring when offered in adequate quantities."