SNACKING on walnuts could lower your risk of bowel cancer, new research suggests.
Scientists from the US found that chopping up and sprinkling a handful of the on your each morning might be enough to slash your risk of the disease.
It’s likely down to ellagitannins – plant-based polyphenols found in several types of and , including walnuts and pomegranates, the team, whose work was published in Cancer Prevention Research, said.
Once eaten, these compounds are broken down by the gut microbiome into powerful molecules known as urolithins.
Since chronic inflammation is linked to , reducing it could help prevent the development and spread of cancer cells.
“Ellagitannins in the walnut are importantly providing the anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties that we’re seeing in patients in our clinical trial research,” Dr Daniel W Rosenberg, from UConn School of Medicine, who led the study, explained.
“This is particularly due to the gut’s conversion of ellagitannins into a potent anti-inflammatory agent, urolithin A.”;
The team tracked 39 people aged 40 to 65 who were already at elevated risk for .
They were asked to eliminate ellagitannin-rich foods before starting a three-week walnut-rich diet, during which they ate about 28 grams (roughly a handful) of walnuts each day.
At the end of the trial, everyone underwent a – a test that checks inside the bowels.
The researchers found that people with more urolithin A in their urine had lower levels of inflammation in their blood, urine, and bowel .
There was also a drop in vimentin – a protein linked to more – in those who produced the most urolithin A.
“Urolithin A has a very positive influence on inflammation and maybe even cancer prevention,”; Dr Daniel, said.
He added: “Our study provides strong rationale for dietary inclusion of walnut ellagitannins for cancer prevention.
“Nutrients from walnuts can contribute to reduced cancer risk.
“There are many potential benefits one can get from eating walnuts, with so little downside risk, that just grabbing a handful every day is really something that you can easily do for your long-term health benefit.”;
Previous studies show walnuts can improve , and support help with .
Bowel cancer is one of the UK’s most common cancers, with around 44,000 people diagnosed each year and 17,000 deaths.
Early symptoms include changes in bowel habits, blood in your poo, weight loss, and or lumps.
says half of cases could be prevented through healthier lifestyle choices.
