A randomized clinical trial reveals eating about two ounces of walnuts daily for 16 weeks:
- Prevented negative changes in mental health-related scores (self reported)
- Prevented scores of stress and depression during a stressful academic period among university students (ages 18-35, self reported)
- Those in the study who consumed walnuts also experienced improved sleep in the longer term
- Those in the study who consumed walnuts saw an increase in markers that protect against stress and a decrease in markers that are linked with stress.
More research is needed to uncover the benefits on walnuts and mood, however the research is encouraging.