(NaturalHealth365) 1 in 8: that’s how many women in America will develop invasive breast cancer at some point in their lifetime.  But, there is some good news: according to research – (some) cancer death rates are dropping.   Generally speaking, these trends are believed to be due to a number of factors, including diet and lifestyle changes.  For example, today we’ll look at the value of simply adding walnuts to your diet – for cancer prevention.

First, it’s good to know about new research out of Marshall University’s Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine – which suggests that a growing trend toward healthier diet and lifestyle choices is playing a significant role in reducing the risk of cancer.  Specifically, the team of researchers discovered that a popular little brain-shaped tree nut, the walnut, may have an incredible effect on tumor growth.

Should you eat walnuts? The answer may surprise you

Let’s start with the assumption that you’re not allergic to walnuts (which sadly many people are, thanks in no small part to the rising prevalence of environmental toxins which trigger autoimmune dysfunction and allergies).  If you’re not, the following news may make you want to go do a quick grocery run and pick up some (organic) walnuts ASAP.

The thing is, there’s already scientific evidence to suggest that walnut consumption can prevention cancer and slow the growth of breast cancer after it already develops.  But the researchers from Marshall University wanted to take the evidence one step further:

Could eating nuts actually inhibit breast cancer growth in women already diagnosed with the disease?

In their study, women with breast cancer were randomly assigned to either a walnut-eating experimental group or non-walnut-eating control group. After a follow-up period, the researchers discovered that more than 450 genes within breast cancer tumors were significantly altered.  The research team leader, W. Elaine Hardman, Ph.D., stated, “These results support the hypothesis that, in humans, walnut consumption could suppress [cancerous tumor] growth.”

A leading theory as to why walnuts pack such a powerful anticancer punch is their high content of healthy anti-inflammatory compounds, including polyunsaturated fatty acids, alpha-linolenic acids, and linoleic acids.

By the way, wondering how many walnuts the women in the experimental group were consuming? Just two ounces per day – about two handfuls!

Beyond suppression of breast cancer growth – check out these other benefits of walnuts

If you’re a woman, you have at least a 12% chance of developing breast cancer at some point in your life – and that risk may even be higher if you have a family history or other specific risk factors. By the way, breast cancer can affect men, too!

In other words, eating more walnuts can be a great move whether you’re a man or a woman. And the benefits go beyond potential cancer prevention.

Check out these other research-suggested benefits of the simple (and largely affordable) walnut:

1. Decreases “bad” LDL cholesterol
2. Assists in weight loss (as long as you don’t consume too many, since walnuts and other nuts are calorically dense as well as nutritionally dense and filling)
3. Improves blood pressure
4. Decreases risk of type 2 diabetes and improves blood sugar control
5. Decreases chronic inflammation

Helpful hint: Store your walnuts in the fridge or freezer, as this can extend their shelf life and prevent them from going rancid. Additionally, opt for organic varieties if possible and avoid walnuts roasted in harmful oils.

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Sources for this article include:

Herald-dispatch.com
Cancer.org
BreastCancer.org
NaturalHealth365.com
Harvard.edu
Healthline.com