Walnuts May Protect Colon From Tumor Formation

A U.S. study in mice found that eating walnuts has a dampening effect on colorectal tumors. The result was especially noticeable in males, who had 2.3 fewer tumors than mice who did not eat walnuts, researchers reported. Walnuts accounted for seven to 10.5 percent of their daily calories, the equivalent of about an ounce in humans. Walnuts contain high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids, a high ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids, and high levels of a form of vitamin E that has anticancer properties. The study shows that walnuts may also act as a probiotic that protects the colon from tumor formation.