Overview
Nuts have a high nutrient density, and numerous studies have reported their cardiometabolic benefits. Although observational studies in adults have indicated a potential link between nut consumption and improved mental health, there is still insufficient evidence from experimental studies to draw firm conclusions about this association.
Description
Nuts are widely recognized for their high nutrient density and their multiple reported cardiometabolic benefits. They are rich in monounsaturated (MUFAs) and polyunsaturated (PUFAs) fatty acids (including omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid and omega-6 linoleic acid) as well as antioxidants and compounds with anti inflammatory properties. Observational studies in adults have suggested a potential association between nut consumption and improved mental health, including a reduced risk of depression and enhanced mood. However, evidence from experimental studies remains limited and often inconclusive.
Early adulthood (ages 18-24) represents a critical developmental period marked by substantial physical, psychological, and social changes, and it is also a stage during which mental health problems commonly emerge.
The Nuts4Brain-RCT will investigate the impact of a 6-month mixed-nut intervention on mental health symptoms, cognitive functioning, sleep quality, overall well-being, health-related quality of life, and biochemical mediators of brain function and mental health in young adults.
Eligibility
Participants must meet all the following criteria to be considered eligible for selection and randomization:
Inclusion Criteria:
- Age: Participants must be between 18 and 25 years old.
- Academic Status: Participants must be enrolled as university students.
- Field of Study: Participants may come from any academic program offered at the Cuenca Campus, including Nursing, Social Work, Education, Fine Arts, Engineering, Journalism, and Teaching.
Participants will be excluded from the study if they have any of the following conditions, based on self-reported information:
Exclusion Criteria:
- Allergies: Known nut allergy.
- Self-reported cardiovascular, metabolic, gastrointestinal or mental health disorder.