28/01/2026
A recent clinical trial found that short-term walnut consumption by women with breast cancer significantly altered tumor gene expression linked to slower cancer cell growth and increased cancer cell death.
🗂️Key Study Findings:
đź“‘Participants: The study followed women with breast cancer who consumed 2 ounces (about 2 handfuls) of walnuts daily for approximately 2 weeks between their initial biopsy and subsequent surgery.
đź“‘Gene Activity Changes: RNA sequencing of tumor tissue revealed significant changes in the expression of 456 identified genes. These shifts include:
🗒️Increased activity in genes that promote apoptosis (programmed cancer cell death) and cell adhesion.
🗒️Decreased activity in pathways that support tumor growth, cell proliferation, inflammation and migration (metastasis).
đź“‘Anticancer Mechanisms: Researchers believe these effects are driven by a synergy of bioactive compounds in walnuts, including omega-3 fatty acids (alpha-linolenic acid), antioxidants like ellagitannins (which gut bacteria metabolize into anti-inflammatory urolithins), phytosterols, and melatonin.
It is important to note that while these results are extraordinary and provide the first human evidence that walnuts might slow, weaken or even kill breast cancer cells, experts emphasize that larger, long-term clinical trials are necessary to confirm these effects and those are currently underway!
‼️The information shared is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice, stop a prescription regimen, start a new regimen or delay in seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read here. ❤️
PMID: 30979659
