Cancer Protective Effects of Walnuts

An abundant source of antioxidants, walnuts are a good source of protein, fiber, and alpha linoleic acid – a  plant-based omega-3 fatty acid. Paul Andrew Davis, from the University of California Davis (California, USA), and colleagues  fed mice either whole walnuts (equivalent of 2.6 ounces for humans), walnut oil or a walnut-like fat for 18 weeks. Both the walnuts and walnut oil slowed prostate cancer growth in mice.  Notably, walnuts and walnut oil increased MSMB mRNa a tumor suppressor and decreased COX-2 mRNA, both reported to inhibit prostate tumor growth.  In addition, both walnuts and walnut oil reduced cholesterol and increased insulin sensitivity.