A 2010 study indicates that mice who have cancer of the prostate benefit from increased nuts in their diet. Researchers are doing follow-up studies to see whether the benefit may extend to men.
Most nuts in reasonable amounts can benefit the heart. But among walnuts’ special attributes were their ability to fight inflammation, an underlying cause of much heart disease, and to allow vessels to dilate as needed.
A major factor for many cancers is the presence of Inflammation in the body. The researchers have determined that walnuts can effect endothelin production. Endothelin is a protein that is related to blood pressure control and also to helping regulate prostate growth.
In walnuts, omega-3 fatty acids, minerals and other trace elements, possibly even the protein content, appear to be slowing prostate tumor growth.
Researchers: Paul Davis and colleagues, U. California at Davis, CA.