In a study published in Cancer Prevention Research, scientists at the University of Connecticut have discovered that urolithin A, a compound found in walnuts, is powerful against inflammation and cancer cell growth.
The antioxidant component in walnuts interacts with intestinal microorganisms to produce a substance called “urolithin,” which has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory properties.
After administering a walnut-based diet to 39 adults aged 40 to 65 for three weeks, the research team examined the relationship between the body’s inflammatory responses and urolithin production. The team collected urine, feces, blood, and colon polyp tissues. It thoroughly analyzed them after the participants ceased walnut consumption for a week before the experiment to lower their urolithin levels.
Consequently, their total blood inflammation levels decreased in correlation with the amount of urolithin A they produced after eating walnuts. Specifically, several proteins associated with inflammation and cancer were significantly reduced, with these changes being more pronounced in obese participants. According to an analysis of colon polyp tissues, the expression of vimentin, involved in the movement of cancer cells, was also significantly reduced, as were proteins related to immune cells.
The research team stated that the study scientifically proved that urolithin A can suppress tumor malignancy and help prevent cancer. They added that consuming a handful of walnuts—about 28 grams, or six to seven nuts—each day could be an effective dietary choice for long-term health management.
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