Eating 7 walnuts a day could reduce your risk of breast cancer

Researchers from Marshall University have recently reported that small amounts of walnuts eaten daily can significantly lower the risk of breast cancer in women. Unfortunately the research is, in my opinion, highly unethical as it involved using laboratory mice. However, the results remain that a small amount of walnut in the diet slowed the development and reduced the multiplicity of mammary gland cancers. Dr Hardman, the lead researcher states, “These reductions are particularly important when you consider that the mice were genetically programmed to develop cancer at a high rate… we were able to reduce the risk for cancer even in the presence of a preexisting genetic mutation.”

Walnuts are a great source of omega-3 fats, minerals, vitamins and protein. A handful of walnuts every day is all you need to benefit from its preventative effect. Previous studies have shown the benefits of walnuts in reducing blood pressure.

Citation: Hardman, WE, Ion, G, Akinsete JA and Witte, TR (2011) ‘Walnut Suppressed Mammary Gland Tumorigenesis in the C(3)1 TAg Mouse’ Nutrition and Cancer Aug-Sep 63(6):960-70. 

Available online http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01635581.2011.589959#tabModule

Worldwide cancer rates could be cut by 2.8 million with healthier lifestyles

The World Cancer Research Fund has today published a comprehensive report on Food, Nutrition, Physical Activity and the Prevention of Cancer: a Global Perspective as well as a companion report, Policy and Action for Cancer Prevention. According to this report, around 2.8 million cancers worldwide could be prevented if people adopted healthier lifestyles and better diets. You can access the full report here.