A recent study has highlighted the potential of walnuts in mitigating the risk of a deadly disease. Researchers have uncovered that walnuts possess the ability to alleviate inflammation in the body, therefore reducing the likelihood of developing bowel cancer - the second most prevalent cause of cancer-related deaths in the UK.
Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, ranks as the fourth most widespread cancer in the UK, with approximately 16,800 deaths reported annually. While the exact causes of this disease remain unclear, factors such as genetic mutations, lifestyle choices, and environmental influences are believed to contribute to the risk.
Dietary habits, including the consumption of red and processed meats, have been linked to an increased risk of bowel cancer. However, emerging research suggests that certain foods, such as walnuts, may offer protective effects against this disease.
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A study published in the Cancer Prevention Research journal has revealed that walnuts contain compounds called ellagitannins, which can be converted into urolithins by the gut. These urolithins are believed to possess anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties, potentially playing a vital role in combating bowel cancer.
The study found that an increase in urolithin A production, as a result of consuming walnuts, led to a significant decrease in inflammatory markers found in blood, urine, and faecal samples. This reduction could potentially impact immune cells within colon polyps, providing further support for the role of walnuts in lowering bowel cancer risk.
Advanced spatial imaging technology was used to analyze cellular interactions in colon polyps, which were removed during colonoscopy procedures. The results showed a direct link between high urolithin A formation and lower levels of certain critical proteins typically seen in polyps, including vimentin, which is associated with more advanced stages of bowel cancer.
Dr. Rosenberg, a researcher involved in the study, expressed the positive influence of urolithin A on inflammation and cancer prevention. These findings provide strong evidence for the dietary inclusion of walnut ellagitannins for cancer prevention, offering potential benefits and minimal downside risk.
In conclusion, with bowel cancer being a significant health concern, the study points to the possibility of reducing the risk by incorporating walnuts into the diet. Dr. Rosenberg emphasized that the daily consumption of walnuts could be easily incorporated into long-term health strategies, thereby contributing to reduced cancer risk.