Walnuts may help ward off breast cancer

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month has brought the topic even more to the front and center. Everywhere we look there are companies, organizations and people are donning their pink ribbons and helping to fight against such a horrible disease. We are in continual search for anything and everything that we can do to keep ourselves and our loved ones from getting breast cancer, but one way to help might be found in the little walnut.

Health enthusiasts as well as nutritionists have long boasted the benefits of the walnut. High in minerals, protein, vitamins and Omega-3 fats, the walnut may be a wonderful answer to lowering breast cancer risk. It seems that the Omega-3 health fats at such a high dose may be the secret ingredient.

West Virginia’s Marshall University completed and published the results of their study that just a few walnuts per day may help in warding off breast cancer. The study used rats that had a predisposition for the development of tumors for breast cancer. Rats were used for the experiment due to the fact that they have similar carcinogenesis in the patterns for breast cancer as human beings. The study involved both walnut ingested and non-walnut ingested rats, beginning with the study of the mother from the conception and through to the weaning process; followed by direct ingestion of walnuts.

The results of the study were fairly astounding. The rats that had walnuts involved from conception to full life span developed breast cancer at a fifty percentile as compared to those that were placed on a standard diet. It is important to note the importance of this study as these were subject rats that were already in a condition of predisposition to develop breast cancer. Other factors that came into play included the lack of determination were the results of additions or deletions in the dietary regiment. It seemed that the walnuts contained sufficient healthy Omega fats that offset the unhealthy or bad fats, also lowering the LDL cholesterol levels that lean towards the development of cancer. Additional studies involved showed that walnuts offer a variety of other benefits to health in the unique fat blends, minerals and vitamins. Vitamin E is especially high in this surprising nut, and an added benefit seemed to display that the walnut also lowers inflammation in the systemic level.

The walnut has been added as one of the ‘super food’ category items. For human consumption, it’s recommended to add approximately two ounces (around fourteen halves) to the dietary regiment.

The study did not include whether or not organic vs. non-organic walnuts were used in the trials. However, it is always highly recommended that where possible, certified organic products be selected for your diet. This will eliminate the possibility of any additional chemicals or added toxins in the content that might off-set the general health benefits.

So the next time you are at your health food store, pick up some walnuts. Share them with the women in your life that you love. The little walnut may just be one of the most affectionate things you can do to help keep them safe.

Sources:
http://www.naturalnews.com/033536_walnuts_breast_cancer.html

The information supplied in this article is not to be considered as medical advice and is for educational purposes only.