New Delhi: It turns out that your go-to snack might be doing more for your health than just curbing hunger. A recent study suggests that eating walnuts could actually help reduce inflammation and may even lower your risk of bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer. This form of cancer is the fourth most commonly diagnosed in the UK and, tragically, the second biggest cause of cancer deaths, claiming nearly 17,000 lives each year. While the exact causes are still being studied, doctors say that a mix of genetics, lifestyle habits, and environmental exposure can influence your risk. Diet, in particular, plays a major role.
How does diet influence bowel cancer risk?
You’ve probably heard that processed and red meats can increase your cancer risk, and that’s still true. But on the flip side, some foods may offer protective benefits. That’s where walnuts come in. A study published in the journal Cancer Prevention Research found something pretty fascinating. Walnuts contain natural compounds called ellagitannins. When you eat walnuts, the bacteria in your gut break down those compounds into something called urolithin A — a substance that may have anti-inflammatory and even anti-cancer properties.
Dr. Daniel Rosenberg, who led the study, explained, “The conversion of ellagitannins into urolithin A appears to be what gives walnuts their cancer-fighting potential. What’s exciting is that this isn’t just a lab theory — we saw real changes in people.”
Here’s what they did: 39 participants at higher risk of developing bowel cancer were asked to cut out foods rich in ellagitannins for one week. Then, for the next three weeks, they ate a diet that included a set amount of walnuts. After that, researchers examined tissue samples during routine colonoscopies. The results? Not only did participants show higher levels of urolithin A, but they also had increased amounts of a protein called peptide YY, which has been linked to lowering cancer risk. On top of that, several markers of inflammation in their blood dropped — a change most noticeable in those who were overweight.
Detection of bowel cancer
Using advanced imaging tools, scientists also looked closely at colon polyps that were removed during the trial. They found that people with the highest levels of urolithin A had lower amounts of certain proteins, like vimentin, which are often found in more aggressive forms of bowel cancer.
Although the same requires more research to ascertain whether or not the findings are promising enough, as per experts, eating walnuts might be one of the best ways to keep inflammation at bay and balance out gut bacteria. This can also go a long way in keeping cancer risk at bay. Therefore, it is advised to include walnuts in the diet as they pack vital nutrients like omega-3s and other healthy fats, proteins, and fibre, which collectively boost gut and overall health. But at the same time, it is imperative to follow a balanced diet including fruits and vegetables, while also working out regularly, quitting alcohol use, and smoking. Non-vegetarians must also abstain from processed red meats. Only a handful of these every day can help improve overall health.
Although the same requires more research to ascertain whether or not the findings are promising enough, as per experts, eating walnuts might be one of the best ways to keep inflammation at bay and balance out gut bacteria. This can also go a long way in keeping cancer risk at bay. Health News Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
