American scientists say walnuts can inhibit cancer, diabetes

The first group did not consume walnuts, the second group received walnuts, and the third one was fed with walnut oil. The experiment showed that the development of the tumor and malignant cells significantly slowed among the rodents in the second and the third groups.

Raw walnuts contain , a natural substance which restrains the growth of cancer cells. The scientists attribute the success of the tests to this, and further reveal that only two handfuls of walnuts daily is enough to reduce the chances of both prostate and breast cancer by about 50 percent.

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In another experiment, the scientists showed that walnut oil plays a key role in reducing the amount of harmful cholesterol in the blood, helping to fight heart disease and reducing the risk of diabetes. The study found that overweight adults with type 2 diabetes who ingested only a quarter cup of walnuts daily saw their high levels of insulin reduce quicker than those on non-walnut diets.

Experts however advise caution in its intake as walnuts are a high calorie product. For example, just 2.6 ounces of walnuts is about 482 calories, which may amount to an excess of reserved fat in some people.