Walnuts a great source of fiber may be consumed by those suffering from prostate problems, as fiber has been linked to a reduced risk of prostate cancer.
Now, new research suggests that breast cancer patients could also benefit from including the nuts in their diet, because they may slow the growth of tumors.
A team at Marshall University compared the rate of tumor development of two groups of mice one that was fed a typical American diet and another who ate a diet in which 18.5 percent of their daily calories came from walnuts.
Lead author Dr. W. Elaine Hardman said that those who consumed walnuts exhibited “dramatically suppressed” tumor growth.
The findings demonstrate the power of making dietary changes to combat cancer, she suggested.
“Its always very good to find something that will slow the growth of tumors without being toxic chemotherapy,” Hardman commented.
Walnuts are high in omega-3 fatty acids and also contain antioxidants and phystosterols, two components that research has linked to slowing cancer. They may also be beneficial for clearing out the colon.