Walnut consumption may Prevent Breast Cancer

Walnut consumption may provide the body with omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and phytosterols that reduce the risk of breast cancer, according to a study presented at the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2009 100.

Elaine Hardman, Ph.D., professor of medicine at Marshall University School of Medicine, said his study was conducted with laboratory animals rather than humans, people have the recommendation to eat more nuts of listening.

"Walnuts are better than cookies, French fries or potato chips when you have a snack," said Hardman. "We know that a healthy diet overall prevents all types of chronic diseases."

Hardman and colleagues studied mice that were fed a diet that was estimated human equivalent of two ounces of nuts a day. A separate group of mice received a diet.

Standard tests have shown that nut consumption significantly the incidence of breast cancer, the number of glands with a tumor the size of the tumor.

"These laboratory mice typically 100 percent in five months, his cancer, nut consumption delayed those tumors by at least three weeks," said Hardman.

Molecular analysis showed that increased consumption of omega-3 fatty acids contributed to the decrease of the tumor, but in other parts of the walnut contributed.

"With dietary interventions you see multiple mechanisms to work with all foods," said Hardman. "It is clear that walnuts contribute to a healthy diet can reduce breast cancer."