How does walnuts protect against colon cancer? Here are the details.

Colorectal cancer is the third most common type of cancer worldwide, accounting for about 10% of all cancer cases. It is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths according to the World Health Organization, often affecting individuals over the age of fifty. A new study from the University of Connecticut School of Medicine suggests that daily walnut consumption could be an effective preventive measure against this type of cancer. Published in Cancer Prevention Research, the study led by environmental medicine expert Daniel Rosenberg, supported by the American Institute for Cancer Research, the California Walnut Commission, and the National Cancer Institute, revealed that natural plant compounds found in walnuts, specifically "ellagitannins," play a key role in reducing the risk of colon cancer. Intestinal bacteria convert these compounds into anti-inflammatory molecules known as "urolithins," notably "urolithin A," which clinical trials have shown to possess strong anti-inflammatory properties and cancer-preventive effects. The study found that individuals who produced higher levels of "urolithin A" after walnut consumption had lower inflammation levels, particularly in obese individuals who are more susceptible to colon diseases. Researchers also noted elevated levels of the hormone "peptide YY" in these individuals, a hormone associated with reduced risk of colorectal cancer. Rosenberg highlighted that daily walnut consumption is a simple step with significant health benefits, especially for those with a healthy gut microbiome, as it helps enhance urolithin production and significantly reduce inflammation markers, emphasizing that walnut consumption has minimal side effects. He concluded that walnuts are not only a nutritious snack but also an effective preventive tool that can easily be incorporated into daily dietary habits to maintain gut health and prevent cancer.