Consuming large servings of walnuts regularly may contribute positively to improving the mood of an individual.
This study investigated the relationship between the consumption of walnuts and mood states in young healthy adult males and females. Researchers administered either a walnut-placebo or a placebo-walnut dietary therapy to 64 college students for a duration of 8 weeks. The total mood disturbance scores of all the participants in the study were determined using Profiles of Mood States (POMS).
Researchers observed a significant improvement in mood disturbance scores in both genders after dietary intervention. The mood-improving effect of walnuts was found to be much stronger in healthy, non-depressed young males. The findings of this study indicate that generous intake of walnuts may have a positive effect on the mood of an individual.