A recent study cited by the British Journal of Cancer suggests that the consumption of nuts can significantly reduce pancreatic cancer risk in women. The study observed 75,000 women with no previous history of cancer. Waking Times reports, “’Frequent nut consumption is inversely associated with risk of pancreatic cancer in this large prospective cohort of women, independent of other potential risk factors for pancreatic cancer,’ explained the research team – led by Dr Ying Bao of Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School.”
Selenium Fights Cancer
Nuts are rich in selenium, a potent antioxidant that can help prevent cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, “selenium shows promise as a nutrient that may help prevent the development and progression of cancer.” Because of soil degradation, our foods do not contain the amount of selenium they once did. This could be contributing to large-scale selenium deficiency.
The Statistics
“Bao and colleagues found that women who consumed a one-ounce serving of nuts two or more times per week had a 35% lower risk of pancreatic cancer when compared to those who largely abstained from nuts.” (Waking Times) The women who saw a decreased risk of cancer generally ate a serving of tree nuts (almonds, brazil nuts, walnuts, etc.) of about 1 ounce, twice per week. These results were independent of other lifestyle and dietary factors.
Nuts Prevent Cancer and Other Diseases
An article in the Associate Press cites a Harvard study showing that “regular nut eaters were less likely to die of cancer or heart disease — in fact, were less likely to die of any cause.” It is clear that dietary intake of nuts can improve health, particularly reducing the risk of certain cancers. Cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and more can be successfully prevented and managed by using whole foods and proper supplements. So here’s permission to go nuts! It may very well save your life!