Studies Walnuts promote intestinal health and prevent colon cancer

How can walnuts protect the human body from diseases and cancer??
Colon cancer is a dangerous and widespread disease. Experts around the world are working on ways to protect people from colon cancer. Researchers now found that consuming walnuts supports the digestive system and the probiotic bacteria in the gut. Among other things, this reduces the risk of developing colon cancer.

The researchers from Louisiana State University found in their study that eating walnuts is associated with a reduction in the risk of colorectal cancer. The physicians published the results of their study in the journal "The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry".

The consumption of walnuts is healthy for body and mind. The nuts support the heart and brain health during aging. Researchers now investigated whether walnuts can also protect against colon cancer. (Photo: karepa - fotolia)

Walnuts promote the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut
The health of the intestine has far-reaching effects on overall health, explain the experts. Healthy intestinal bacteria not only improve digestion, but also improve the overall health of our brain and metabolism, researchers said. The current study shows that the consumption of walnuts leads to health benefits for the heart and brain. Walnuts act as a kind of prebiotic that drives the growth of bacteria, which then keep the human digestive system healthy, explains author Lauri Byerley of Louisiana State University.

Greater bacterial diversity in the gut leads to positive effects
The researchers found that dieting with walnuts resulted in an overall significant increase in the variety of bacteria in the gut. Greater bacterial diversity is associated with improved health outcomes, while low diversity can lead to complaints such as obesity and inflammatory bowel disease.

Walnuts contain many omega-3 fatty acids, phytochemicals and antioxidants
When rats ate a diet rich in walnuts, an increase in beneficial intestinal bacteria including Lactobacillus, Roseburia and Ruminococcaceae was observed in the study. Walnuts contain a significant amount of omega-3 fatty acids, phytochemicals and antioxidants, explain the scientists. The consumption of walnuts has therefore been associated with health benefits, including a reduced risk of heart disease and cancer.

Walnuts extend our life expectancy
Walnuts alter the microbial composition in our gut. This suggests a new mechanism that will produce the beneficial health benefits of walnuts. The experts also report that several epidemiological studies have linked the consumption of tree nuts (such as walnuts) to longer and healthier lives.

Walnuts also protect the brain during aging
The consumption of walnuts reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease in humans and slows the rate of tumor growth in mice, study authors explain. In addition, walnuts help protect brain health during aging, the researchers say. The transformation of the microbial community in the gut shows the usefulness of consuming walnuts. Further research is now needed to further investigate the beneficial effects of consuming walnuts. (As)