Boost Your Brainpower with California Walnuts and Dr Amir Khan
We all have those “what did I come here for?” moments. Whether it’s misplacing your phone (only to find it in the fridge) or completely forgetting that appointment, forgetfulness is something nearly all of us experience.
In fact, a new survey of over 2,000 UK adults found that 9 in 10 admit to these everyday memory loss lapses. But what if there were a simple, delicious way to help sharpen your memory and focus, starting today?
That’s the idea behind our Walnut Pledge campaign, a new challenge to encourage Brits to add a daily handful of California Walnuts to their routine. Packed with nutrients that support brain function, walnuts are a simple, delicious way to give your memory and focus a natural boost.
Forgetful moments
The survey revealed just how common memory mishaps are:
- 90% of us have experienced classic forgetful moments- like looking for your glasses, we’re already wearing them
- 61% regularly misplace essentials like keys or wallets, with some finding them in very unexpected places
- Over a third (36%) forget why they’ve entered a room at least once a week, and 1 in 10 say it happens daily.
While 1 in 4 people have tried changing their diet to support brain health, only 1 in 3 associate walnuts with any memory or heart benefits, showing there’s a big knowledge gap to close.
Enter… The Walnut Pledge
Dr Amir Khan, NHS GP, best-selling author and broadcaster, is encouraging everyone to take the Walnut Pledge, a small step with potentially big benefits for brain health
“We’ve all had those moments of forgetfulness, especially when life gets hectic,” says Dr Khan. “But small changes can have a big impact. A handful of walnuts is a smart snack packed with goodness for your brain, and sticking with this daily habit could really pay off.”
What makes walnuts the smart choice?
Walnuts are the only tree nut that provide a significant source of plant-based omega-3 ALA (2.7g per 30g serving). This essential nutrient supports brain function, helps reduce inflammation, and promotes healthy ageing. They’re also rich in:
- Polyunsaturated facts
- Antioxidants
- Essential B vitamins like folate and B6
Together, these nutrients nourish the brain and help protect against cognitive decline. Plus, recent research from the University of Reading (2025) found that eating walnuts at breakfast could sharpen thinking for the day ahead, so why not start your day with a brain-boosting bowl? Find recipes here https://www.californiawalnuts.co.uk/tag/breakfast/
Dr Amir’s top tips for a brain-boosting lifestyle
Alongside adding walnuts to your daily routine, Dr Khan recommends these healthy habits for cognitive wellbeing:
- Start your day smart: “Add walnuts to porridge, yoghurt or a smoothie for a brain-boosting breakfast. Research shows this helps with focus and reaction time.”
- Stay consistent: “Keep walnuts somewhere visible – in a container at the front of your fridge – so this brain-friendly habit becomes second nature.”
- Move more: “Even 20 minutes of brisk walking a day can boost blood flow to the brain and improve memory, mood and attention.”
- Sleep smarter: “Prioritise 7–9 hours of good quality sleep. It helps your brain store and organise memories and reset for the next day.”
“A healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, sleep, stress management and smart food choices like California Walnuts can make a powerful difference,” says Dr Khan.
It’s easy… just commit to eating a healthy handful of California Walnuts each day. Whether you enjoy them straight from the pack or sprinkled over your meals, it’s a delicious way to support your brain and overall health. Don’t forget to download our walnut consumption tracker, packed with recipes, tips and tools to help you stay on track with your daily handful! https://www.californiawalnuts.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/CW_The_Pledge_14_day_tracker.pdf
