Research Investigates Walnuts' Role in Reducing Inflammation and Colon Cancer Risk
New findings published in Cancer Prevention Research show daily walnut consumption may improve markers of systemic inflammation and reduce colon cancer risk. Colon cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide and accounts for around 10% of total cancer diagnoses.1 Urolithin A (UA), a metabolic byproduct of the plant-derived polyphenols, ellagitannins, found in walnuts, are thought to contribute to these findings.
California walnuts
Researchers at the University of Connecticut analyzed the impact of 56g of daily walnut consumption among 39 healthy adult participants, age 50-65, on urinary urolithins and markers of inflammation, immunity and other indicators of colonic health for three weeks prior to undergoing a routine colonoscopy.2 This clinical trial followed a preclinical study by Dr. Masako Nakanishi, an investigator in the Rosenberg lab, who first reported on these effects of walnut consumption on colon cancer.3 In the present study, researchers found that consuming a walnut-containing diet resulted in increased urinary UA levels which were linked to lower levels of several inflammatory markers present in the blood.
In addition, the study found changes in colon polyps that could ultimately prove to be beneficial for preventing the development of some cancers. Urolithins have been studied for their anti-inflammatory properties and may play a role in cancer prevention.4,5 It is thought that higher levels of urinary UA could be responsible for these changes that were observed in polyp tissues, even after a short exposure interval to walnuts.
A handful of California walnuts
Dr. Daniel W. Rosenberg, the HealthNet Chair in Cancer Biology and an investigator at the Center for Molecular Oncology at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine, has been studying the properties of walnuts and their anti-inflammatory benefits for more than a decade. 'Walnuts are an exceptional source of health-promoting nutrients called ellagitannins. These nutrients, when broken down by the gut microbiome to form urolithin A, are thought to reduce inflammation and may be responsible for reducing risk of colon cancer,' notes Rosenberg.
Beyond their ellagitannin content, walnuts are known for their nutrient composition. Walnuts are the only nut to provide an excellent source of omega-3 ALA (2.5g/28g), which has been researched to support brain health, heart health and more.6 Walnuts also provide 4 grams of plant-based protein along with a variety of other nutrients in just one handful.7
'This study adds to the growing body of evidence supporting walnuts as a functional food with benefits that go beyond basic nutrition. The ability of walnuts to produce urolithin A – a compound linked to reduced inflammation and potential protection against colon cancer – makes them especially relevant today, as more Indians face digestive health challenges linked to modern diets and lifestyles. Including a handful of walnuts daily is a simple, effective habit that can support gut health and contribute to overall wellness,' states Naaznin Husein, Member of the Indian Dietetic Association.
Reaping the health benefits of walnuts is as easy as incorporating a handful into your meals and snacks. Try some of these recipes to add California walnuts:
More research is needed as this was a relatively small and short-term study and it is unclear whether the observed effects of consuming walnuts would persist over a longer period of time or in a larger population. Additionally, the study was not a randomized control trial.
For more information on the role of walnuts in cancer prevention and gut health or recipe ideas, please visit californiawalnuts.in
About the California Walnut Commission
The California Walnut Commission (CWC) represents more than 3,700 California walnut growers and approximately 70 handlers, grown in multi-generational farmers' family orchards. California walnuts, known for their excellent nutritional value and quality, are shipped around the world all year long, with more than 99% of the walnuts grown in the United States being from California. The CWC, established in 1987, promotes usage of walnuts through domestic and export market development activities as well as supports health research with consuming walnuts.
References:
World Health Organization. Colorectal cancer. World Health Organization website. Accessed May 2, 2025. Updated July 11, 2023. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/colorectal-cancer
Moussa MR, Fan N, Birk J, et al. Systemic inflammation and the inflammatory context of the colonic microenvironment are improved by urolithin A. Cancer Prev Res (Phila). 2025;18(4):235-50.
Nakanishi M, Chen Y, Qendro V, et al. Effects of Walnut Consumption on Colon Carcinogenesis and Microbial Community Structure. Cancer Prev Res (Phila). 2016 Aug;9(8):692-703. doi: 10.1158/1940-6207.CAPR-16-0026
Fan N, Fusco JL, Rosenberg DW. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of walnut constituents: Focus on personalized cancer prevention and the microbiome. Antioxidants. 2023;12(5):982.
Mandalari G, Gervasi T, Rosenberg DW, Lapsley KG, Baer DJ. Effect of nuts on gastrointestinal health. Nutrients. 2023;15(7):1733.
Sala-Vila A, Fleming J, Kris-Etherton P, Ros E. Impact of alpha-linolenic acid, the vegetable omega-3 fatty acid, on cardiovascular disease and cognition [published ahead of print February 16, 2022]. Advances in Nutrition. doi.org/10.1093/advances/nmac016.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. Fdc.nal.usda.gov.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
3 hours ago
- The Hindu
Not all cognitive decline is dementia and not all dementia is Alzheimer's stress clinicians this brain awareness month
The estimated dementia prevalence in India is 7.4% among adults aged 60 and older. This translates to about 8.8 million Indians currently living with dementia. The prevalence is projected to increase significantly in the coming years, with estimates suggesting a rise to 1.7 crore (17 million) by 2036. And it is also increasingly recognised in India as a condition far more complex than memory loss. Dementia represents a progressive decline in cognitive abilities, including language, executive functioning, behaviour, and the capacity to perform daily tasks. Alzheimer's disease remains the most well-known form of dementia, but it is only one of many. Indian clinicians are now focusing on comprehensive evaluations to identify reversible causes, clarifying diagnoses using advanced biomarkers, and staying informed about global advances in therapy -- all while staying grounded in clinical realities and patient context. Identifying reversible causes -- a health priority in dementia care According to Prabash Prabhakaran, director and senior consultant- neurology, SIMS Hospital, Chennai, dementia is often misunderstood as only memory loss, whereas one of the earliest signs could be executive dysfunction --such as a person forgetting how to prepare a familiar dish . He also emphasises the importance of looking for apraxia, which is the loss of learned motor skills, along with changes in gait and bladder control. A distinctive pattern like 'magnetic gait,' where a person shuffles slowly and cannot lift their feet properly, may offer clues pointing to specific subtypes such as Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus. Even in patients with clear signs of cognitive decline, Dr. Prabhakaran warns against over-reliance on imaging or biomarker tests in isolation, stressing that without a robust clinical picture, these tools can mislead more than help. One of the most critical steps in dementia care in India is to rule out reversible causes before settling on a diagnosis like Alzheimer's. This clinical vigilance ensures that treatable conditions are not missed. For instance, vitamin B12 deficiency is a common cause of cognitive issues, especially among vegetarians, and can be easily corrected with supplements. Hypothyroidism is another frequently overlooked condition that can mimic dementia and is reversible with thyroid hormone replacement. Dr. Prabhakaran shares that cases of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus -- where dementia presents alongside gait instability and bladder dysfunction -- can sometimes be reversed almost miraculously by draining around 30 ml of cerebrospinal fluid. There are also rarer possibilities like autoimmune dementia, which constitutes about two to three percent of cases. In such instances, antibody testing for approximately 23 known markers is now available in India. Familial dementia and vasculitis-related cognitive disorders also fall into this category of conditions where early detection can dramatically change outcomes. As Dr. Prabhakaran puts it, 'Even if just one patient benefits from identifying a reversible cause, the clinical effort is worth it.' Clinical evaluations to rule out health risks Imaging continues to be a helpful tool, not for confirmation but for exclusion. MRI scans are used to rule out brain masses, hydrocephalus, and vascular insults. While certain patterns of brain atrophy, particularly in the temporal and parietal lobes, may suggest Alzheimer's disease, these findings are supportive rather than definitive. FDG-PET scans, which measure glucose metabolism, can reveal hypometabolism in specific brain regions, often correlating with suspected Alzheimer's pathology. However, PET scans are advised only when there is already a strong clinical suspicion -- they are not used as screening tools. A major advancement in recent years is the use of blood-based biomarkers that measure levels of tau protein and beta-amyloid -- proteins central to Alzheimer's disease pathology. These are available in India but remain expensive and are not part of routine diagnostics. Dr. Prabhakaran explains that these tests are best used in specific scenarios: when the clinical presentation is ambiguous, when there is mild cognitive impairment, or in cases of early-onset or rapidly progressing dementia. He cautions against using biomarkers indiscriminately, underscoring that their role should always be hypothesis-driven. Srividhya S, associate consultant, department of neurology, Rela Hospital, Chennai notes that biomarker changes can occur nearly 20 years before symptoms appear. She highlights the usefulness of these tests in ruling out Alzheimer's, pointing to their strong negative predictive value. A negative result can give both doctors and families confidence to pursue alternative explanations and care pathways. The role of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) testing also deserves attention. U. Meenakshisundaram, director & senior consultant, neurology, MGM Healthcare, Chennai, notes that Indian labs now offer CSF analysis for beta-amyloid and phosphorylated tau at a cost of around ₹20,000–₹25,000. Although it requires a lumbar puncture and is thus more invasive, many patients and families opt for it if it provides diagnostic clarity. He also mentions that newer, less invasive serum-based tests for Alzheimer's biomarkers have recently been approved in the United States, though these are not yet available in India. Post-diagnosis medical care and management In terms of treatment, there is growing global excitement about novel therapies. Dr. Meenakshisundaram emphasis that two monoclonal antibodies -- lecanemab and aducanumab -- have been approved in the United States in recent months. These therapies target amyloid plaques and aim to slow disease progression. Though not yet available in India, their approval marks a turning point in how the medical community thinks about Alzheimer's care. Aditya Gupta, director, neurosurgery & cyberknife, Artemis Hospital, Gurugram, stresses that we are now in an era where the goal is not just to manage symptoms but to attempt to modify disease progression. He says that early diagnosis paired with these emerging therapies may finally allow patients and caregivers to move from despair to hope. However, across all experts, there is consensus on several guiding principles. First, dementia is not synonymous with Alzheimer's disease. Diagnosing someone with Alzheimer's prematurely, especially without ruling out other causes, risks missing treatable conditions. Second, investigations must be pragmatically chosen. Dr. Prabhakaran insists that tests should only be performed if their results will influence clinical management. There is no merit in subjecting patients to expensive tests that do not offer actionable insights. Third, biomarkers are tools -- not solutions. They should only be used when the clinical context supports their necessity. Finally, there is a strong push to empower caregivers with knowledge. Early, accurate diagnosis, even if it confirms an irreversible condition, helps families prepare and cope more effectively with behavioural changes and caregiving needs. Cautious hope Experts say that the outlook for dementia care in India is cautiously hopeful. Clinicians are well-informed and increasingly equipped with both traditional tools and cutting-edge diagnostics. Public awareness is growing, particularly among caregivers who seek clarity and early intervention. The next challenge lies in making diagnostics and future therapies more accessible and affordable. With global trials progressing and India's healthcare ecosystem adapting rapidly, dementia care may soon offer more definitive pathways for diagnosis, management, and even therapeutic intervention. Dr. Prabhakaran adds, 'We are on the cusp of a change. A decade from now, early detection may not just offer clarity -- but treatment.' For now, the focus must remain on early clinical evaluation, ruling out reversible causes, and empowering caregivers with the knowledge and resources they need to navigate this complex condition.
Time of India
8 hours ago
- Time of India
Gut health is the root cause of unexpected weight gain and cravings
Over the last few years, there has been increasing medical opinion that much of the body's health problems like weight gain and perpetual hunger could be originated in the stomach. For Indians with unexplained weight loss or gain in spite of regular food or measured portions, the solution could lie not in the food they eat but the way the body processes and digests it. The gut, or gastrointestinal tract, is inhabited by trillions of bacteria that comprise what's called the gut microbiome. This intricate community of microorganisms dictates everything from digestion and nutrient consumption to immunity, metabolism, and even mood. If this balance is disrupted a process called dysbiosis it can set off a sequence of metabolic and hormonal reactions that lead to weight gain, bloating, fatigue, and cravings for unhealthy foods. Here's how body weight is affected by gut health: 1. Gut bacteria and metabolism Some species of gut bacteria are responsible for the breakdown of food and its conversion to energy directly. Their imbalance slows down metabolism and leads to fat storage in the body even when calorie consumption is not higher. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo A non-diverse gut may also release fewer short-chain fatty acids, which are proven to suppress appetite and fat burning. 2. Effect on hunger hormones and cravings An unhealthy gut can elevate levels of ghrelin (the hunger hormone) and lower leptin (the satiety hormone), leaving individuals hungrier more frequently. This imbalance may result in constant cravings, particularly for sugar and processed foods a complaint that most Indian patients with unpredictable eating habits raise. 3. Role of antibiotics and processed foods The overuse of antibiotics, and even consumption of highly processed foods, can destroy the lining of the gut and eliminate beneficial bacteria. Self-medication and frequent use of antibiotics are extremely prevalent in India and lead to chronic digestive imbalances. 4. The stress connection Stress, which is widespread in Indian urban lifestyles, can modify gut microbiota and enhance inflammation. The gut-brain axis two-way communication between the digestive system and the brain — implies that stress has a direct effect on digestion and appetite regulation. How to Enhance Gut Health for Weight Management: - Boost dietary fiber with vegetables, fruits, and whole grain foods. - Eat fermented foods such as curd, buttermilk, idli, and dosa to restore good bacteria. - Don't overuse antibiotics. - Exercise daily and stress manage with yoga or meditation. - Take probiotics under medical supervision. Dr. Aravind Badiger, Technical Director, BDR Pharmaceuticals One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Deccan Herald
16 hours ago
- Deccan Herald
The silent surge: Early onset of chronic illnesses
Across India's sprawling office complexes, sleek co-working hubs, and hybrid home workspaces, a health crisis is silently unfolding. While much attention is focused on digital disruption, AI transformation, and skilling for the future, an equally urgent, less recognised, and under-discussed crisis is taking root: the early onset of chronic illnesses among working Indians, often a decade earlier than seen Employee Health Report 2025, by Plum, analysed data from over 100,000 telehealth consultations, 25,000 insurance claims, 1,998 health camp participants, and 512 survey responses across 6,000+ companies. The report reveals a stark reality: chronic health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and mental health disorders are now manifesting by the age of 35 or even earlier in India's salaried class. For a nation staking its future on its demographic dividend, this is both an economic and social red flag. What it signifies is a decade of lost health. In most developed countries, lifestyle-related chronic conditions tend to show up post-age -50, giving people a full three decades of stable employment productivity before grappling with health setbacks. But in India, the average age of onset has slid into the thirties, even the late twenties. What is alarming is the intensity and clustering of these diseases: comorbidities are becoming the norm rather than the mental health at report highlights that nearly 20% of urban white-collar workers in India suffer from multiple chronic ailments. Worse still, mental health issues are surging, with 1 in 5 employees having sought professional help, and 1 in 5 considering quitting due to burnout. This is just the data captured from insured employees, an urban upper crust. The figures among gig workers, contractual staff, and MSME employees – most without insurance or workplace wellness programmes – would be factors are driving this premature health decline: First, ironically, is the nature of work itself. India's service economy, powered by IT, finance, education, media, and e-commerce, leans heavily on sedentary desk jobs. With the rise of remote work, digital presence has replaced physical exertion. Employees routinely clock 10-12-hour days, eyes glued to screens, meals skipped or hastily eaten, and movement limited to keystrokes and Zoom a growing urban disconnect from wellness. In metropolitan areas, access to green spaces, safe pedestrian infrastructure, or time for leisure activity is shrinking. Long commutes, overcrowding, and pollution aggravate physical inactivity and highly processed, delivery-based food makes a recipe for metabolic is the phenomenon of cultural stigma and denial. In workplaces, chronic fatigue, burnout, or depression are often dismissed as a 'phase', a lack of willpower, or even laziness. This stigma drives employees to delay seeking care. Until they mental health problems are growing. What is unfolding is not just a physical health crisis, but a psychological one. Burnout is no longer a buzzword; it is a lived reality. Employees report symptoms ranging from insomnia and anxiety to persistent demotivation and even clinical depression. Managers are often unable to identify or act upon these red flags, partly due to a lack of training and outdated assumptions about 'professionalism.' This is made worse by the demand for longer work hours. Unlike physical illnesses that have defined markers and treatment paths, mental health disorders are murkier and harder to quantify – making them both widespread and dangerously economic costs of this invisible but growing health challenge are inescapable. Chronic illnesses are not just private tragedies – they are societal economic liabilities. A workforce beset by hypertension or stress is less productive, more prone to absenteeism, and more likely to switch jobs frequently. For companies, this translates into spiralling health insurance claims, lost person-hours, and increasing employee turnover. At a macro level, the early onset of chronic diseases shortens productive work lives, potentially flattening India's much-touted demographic dividend. For a country hoping to leverage its young population to power global growth engines, this is akin to trying to sprint on a sprained in is a need for a new paradigm of workplace health. We can no longer afford to treat employee health as a side benefit or a corporate box-ticking exercise. We need a fundamental shift in how workplaces think about health – from reactive treatment to initiative-taking well-being. What might such a shift look like?.Institutionalising preventive health checks: Annual health screenings, biometric risk assessments, and lifestyle counselling should become default offerings. These should be mandated and subsidised, particularly in sectors like IT, finance, and movement into the workday: Standing desks, stretch breaks, walking meetings, and ergonomic workplace design can go a long way in reducing the toll of sedentary lifestyles. Urban planners and architects too must rethink the live-work-commute health first aid: Companies must not only offer access to mental health professionals but actively normalise the use of these services. Mental health sick days, manager sensitisation workshops, and peer support groups must be and policy: Just as CSR mandates funding social causes, a small percentage of profits could be directed to health and wellness infrastructure, including access to gym memberships, therapy, and is time to address the rapid epidemiological transition from communicable diseases to non-communicable diseases in both urban and rural India. The early onset of chronic diseases must receive dedicated attention through awareness and surveillance mechanisms. Employers, policymakers, and healthcare providers must collaborate to foster a culture that prioritises health and data is clear. The trend is urgent. The impact is generational. Investing in employee health is not just an economic necessity but a moral imperative. Our greatest asset – human capital – must not become our greatest vulnerability..(The writer is the Director of School of Social Sciences, Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences)
