It's not surprising to see research on walnut showing measurable anti-cancer benefits. Walnuts have great antioxidant properties which help lower risk of chronic oxidative stress, and the anti- inflammatory properties help lower risk of chronic inflammation. These two types of risk, when combined, pose the greatest threat for cancer development. Raw walnuts contain the highest amount of antioxidants as compared to other nuts. The anti-cancer properties in walnuts was attributed to the content of antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and, cholesterol reducing phytosterols.
Walnuts for Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer and breast cancer are the best-studied types of cancer with respect to walnut intake (approximately 3 ounces every day). For prostate cancer, the conclusion and evidence is stronger, and more studies have involved human beings. In case of prostate cancer, walnuts reduce cancer growth by 30-40%.
Walnuts for Pancreatic Cancer
Walnut also prevents pancreatic cancer. Consumption of walnuts is inversely associated with risk of pancreatic cancer, independent of other potential risk factors for pancreatic cancer. Scientists looked at the relationship between walnuts and the risk of pancreatic cancer. 75,680 women in the Nurses’ Health Study were observed under this experiment. The conclusion was that women who consumed 1 ounce of walnut 2-3 times a week witnessed a significant reduction in pancreatic cancer as compared to those who didn’t.
Walnuts for Breast Cancer
An experiment was conducted at the Marshall University and published in the journal called as ‘Nutrition and Cancer’, revealed that small daily amounts of walnuts are potent enough to minimize the risk of breast cancer in mice to a significant extent. Research on mice showed reduced growth of breast cancer tumor in mice. The amount of walnuts given to mice would equate to 2 ounces of walnuts for humans. The mice that were given walnuts developed cancer at less than 50% of rate than the mice who had normal diet. Walnuts even slowed down the development of cancerous cells In addition, the number of tumor and their sizes were significantly smaller.
Elaine Hardman, the professor who conducted this study at Marshall's Joan C. School of Medicine, said that "food is important medicine in our diet". She said that what we eat does make an impact on our body and decides for illness or health.
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