Dive Brief:
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Research suggests walnuts — and the omega-3 fatty acids they contain — could slow colon tumor growth in mice, Ingredients.News reports.
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Mice either ate walnuts equivalent to two servings per day for 25 days, or a similar diet with corn oil in the place of walnut fats. By the end of the study, tumors in the walnut-eating group were smaller than those in the control group and contained 10 times more omega-3 fatty acids, including the ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) found in walnuts. Smaller tumor size was associated with higher omega-3 levels.
- The researchers noted the study’s findings were not applicable to humans, but could provide insight into how colon cancer develops and grows. The research was funded by the California Walnut Commission and the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR). It was published in The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry.
Dive Insight:
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in the U.S. and the second leading cause of death from the disease, according to the National Cancer Institute. However, unlike many other cancers, emerging research suggests it may be preventable. The AICR estimates half of U.S. colorectal cancer cases could be prevented with diet, physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight.
Consumers have become more aware of the idea that diet could play a role in cancer prevention, and although medical experts are still unsure of how specific dietary elements affect colorectal cancer, they often recommend a diet low in animal fats and high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains to prevent a range of chronic illnesses. While more research is needed to examine any connection between walnuts and cancer prevention, other studies have linked walnuts to better gut health and increased satiety.
Walnuts also are a source of healthy fats, making them a prominent ingredient in products such as bars and cereals, as well as a healthy snack themselves. Most nuts contain a high level of monounsaturated fat, but walnuts also contain a relatively high level of polyunsaturated fat — 13 out of 18 grams of total fat per one-ounce serving. They are also the only nut with a significant amount of ALA, with 2.6 grams per ounce, and also contain antioxidants, fiber, polyphenols and other phytochemicals.
A qualified health claim linking tree nut consumption with reduced heart disease risk was one of the first to be approved by the FDA back in 2003. Walnuts are among the specific nuts that qualify for the claim, along with almonds, pistachios and macadamias. As consumers continue to seek out nuts as a healthy snack, investing in product development that highlights walnuts and their health benefits could be a shrewd investment.