(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Next time you get a snack attack, reach for a
handful of walnuts instead of chips or cookies and you could be reducing your
risk of developing breast cancer.
A new study found eating walnuts provides the body with essential omega-3 fatty
acids, antioxidants and phytosterols, which could prevent breast cancer.
In lab studies, mice that ate the human equivalent of two ounces of walnuts per
day had significantly lower rates of breast cancer, fewer glands with a tumor
and small tumor sizes.
Molecular analysis showed that increased consumption of omega-3 fatty acids
contributed to the decline in tumor incidence, but other parts of the walnut
contributed as well, researchers said.
The scientists said the study shows that an overall healthy diet can prevent all
manners of chronic diseases, such as cancer.
SOURCE: Study presented at the American Association for Cancer Research 100th
Annual Meeting, 2009
