Walnuts Decrease Breast Cancer Risk in a Big Way

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By Sara Novak
Wed Sep 14, 2011 08:00

One food seems to have a big impact on breast cancer.

According to Marshall University researchers in a report published in the Journal Nutrition and Cancer, a modest amount of walnuts decreased chances of breast cancer in mice. The amount tested was about 2 ounces of walnuts per day.

Science Daily reports:

[Elaine Hardman, Ph.D., of Marshall’s Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine] said that during the study period, the group whose diet included walnut at both stages developed breast cancer at less than half the rate of the group with the typical diet. In addition, the number of tumors and their sizes were significantly smaller.
These changes came even after mice were genetically mutated to develop cancer. When healthy fats were were added, unhealthy fats were removed, so researchers aren’t sure whether it was the addition of healthy fats, the reduction of the unhealthy fats, or both.

“Food is important medicine in our diet,” Hardeman said, according to Science Daily. “What we put into our bodies makes a big difference — it determines how the body functions, our reaction to illness and health. The simple stuff really works: eat right, get off the couch, and turn off the TV.”

Walnuts are undoubtedly a super food. They have high levels of vitamin E and Omega 3 fatty acids. These fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties, protect heart health, and guard against arthritis. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that protects cells from the damaging impact of free radicals.

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