Continuum Wellness News » walnuts

Research: Walnuts May Reduce Breast Cancer Risk

continuum wellness — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 02:57:28 +0000

Walnuts continue to amaze researchers with their health promoting powers. This latest research demonstrates how walnuts contain factors that can slow and may prevent breast tumors.

Walnuts are a good source of fiber, healthful fatty acids and minerals. They can be sprinkled on breakfast cereal, tossed with crisp greens for a lunch or dinner salad, or simply eaten out of hand as a snack.

Walnuts — 1 ounce, about 9 walnuts

Protein Foods Group: counts as 2 ounce equivalents protein foods and 2 teaspoons oil

Dietary Walnut Suppressed Mammary Gland Tumorigenesis in the C(3)1 TAg Mouse.

Abstract

Walnuts contain multiple ingredients that, individually, have been shown to slow cancer growth, including omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and phytosterols. In previous research, consumption of walnuts has slowed the growth of implanted breast cancers.

We wanted to determine whether regular walnut consumption might reduce the risk for developing cancer.

Homozygous male C(3)1 TAg mice were bred with female SV129 mice consuming either the control AIN-76 diet or the walnut-containing diet. At weaning, the female hemizygous pups were randomized to control or walnut-containing diets and followed for tumor development.

Compared to a diet without walnuts, consumption of walnuts significantly reduced tumor incidence (fraction of mice with at least one tumor), multiplicity (number of glands with tumor/mouse), and size. Gene expression analyses indicated that consumption of the walnut diet altered expression of multiple genes associated with proliferation and differentiation of mammary epithelial cells. A comparison with another dietary intervention indicated that the omega 3 content alone did not account for the extent of tumor suppression due to the walnut. The results of this study indicate that walnut consumption could contribute to a healthy diet to reduce risk for breast cancer.

Nutr Cancer 2011 Jul 20
Hardman WE, Ion G, Akinsete JA, Witte TR.

Source: Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology , Marshall University School of Medicine , Huntington , West Virginia , USA

Raw, Vegan/Vegatarian Eating – Easy Nutmeat Recipe

continuum wellness — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 23:35:27 +0000

Here is a recipe for a quick to make, tasty spread. It is vegan/vegetarian, high in protein and minerals, quick to make and ideal for a lunch meal or as part of the dinner meal. The nut source for this recipe is walnuts, and here is an article on the healing power of walnuts.

Nutmeat

2 cups walnuts
1 cup sun dried tomatoes, soaked 4 hours
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tablespoons (to taste) of shoyu (tamari)
1/4 cup of olive oil

This recipe can be prepared in a blender or food processor. If using a blender chop the walnuts finely prior to adding to the blender and add the liquid ingredients first. Blend. If necessary add a small amount of water to reach the desired consistency. If using a food processor place all of the ingredients into the food processor and blend until thoroughly combined and is your desired consistency.

Can be used as a sandwich spread or with a grain (such as brown rice) a salad and a veggie for a complete meal. Enjoy

The Healing Power of Walnuts

continuum wellness — Mon, 19 May 2008 21:04:59 +0000

by Catherine Carter
photo credit: Joyce Berbig

Walnuts belong to the plant family Juglandaceae. Native Americans used an infusion of the bark to prevent diarrhea. The chewed bark or an infusion was applied to wounds to prevent bleeding. Homeopaths used, Walnut (Juglans regia), the tincture and low potencies for skin eruptions such as blackheads, acne and crusta lactea which is another term for ‘cradle cap’.

Healing Powers of Walnuts:

can reduce inflammation
may alleviate pain
nourish the kidneys-adrenals, nourish the brain and enrich the sperm
helpful for painful knees and coldness in the back
have warming properties
avoid walnuts if you have signs of internal heat, such as anger, red face, tendency to canker sores, loose stools.
help to remove arterial residues of fat and cholesterol
helps to reduce serum lipid levels and high blood pressure in normal men (abstract)
may improve prostate and vascular health of older men (abstract)

An easy way to increase your walnut intake is to sprinkle chopped walnuts over cooked steel cut oats. Or simply add a tablespoon onto your plate to enhance one of your daily meals.

References:

New England Journal of Medicine 1993; 329:358-360, Jul 29, 1993
Nutrition Journal 2008, 7:13 (2 May 2008)
Boericke Homeopathic Materia Medica