In this context, scientists are constantly looking for ways to prevent it. And new research, just published in the medical journal Cancer Prevention Research , has found that a simple snack can play an important role in reducing the risk of this type of cancer.

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Scientists from the University of Connecticut School of Medicine (USA) led the study, with the support of the American Institute for Cancer Research (affiliated with the World Cancer Research Fund) and the National Cancer Institute (part of the US National Institutes of Health), to find out whether regular consumption of walnuts reduces the risk of colorectal cancer.

They conducted a trial on 39 patients between the ages of 40 and 65, considered to be at high risk of colon cancer. Participants were given walnuts to consume daily for a period of 3 weeks.

They were also asked to eliminate foods rich in ellagitannins from their diets. Ellagitannins are natural plant compounds found in walnuts. Study participants were also tested for signs of inflammation through blood, urine, and stool tests and underwent colonoscopies to check for colon polyps.

Plant compounds in walnuts have anti-cancer properties

The researchers found that people who ate walnuts produced more of the compound urolithin A, and had lower levels of inflammation, especially in obese people – who are at higher risk for colon problems. They also had increased levels of peptide YY, a hormone that helps reduce the risk of colon cancer, according to News Medical.

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When they took a closer look at the tissues of colon polyps, the researchers made a surprising discovery: Patients had high levels of urolithin A after consuming walnuts, which was directly linked to reduced levels of several important proteins normally found in polyps.

Notably, one of those proteins, vimentin, is often found in more advanced cases of colon cancer. The authors found that patients with the highest levels of urolithin A had significantly reduced levels of this protein in their polyp tissue.

The secret lies in ellagitannins, natural plant compounds found in walnuts that have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties, explains study author Daniel Rosenberg, PhD, head of the Cancer Biology Research Unit at the University of Connecticut's Center for Molecular Oncology.

Natural compounds in walnuts are converted by gut bacteria into powerful anti-inflammatory molecules called urolithins, particularly urolithin A, says Daniel Rosenberg.

Urolithin A has a very positive effect on inflammation and may even prevent cancer.

Nutrients in walnuts may contribute to a reduced risk of cancer, says Daniel Rosenberg. There are many potential benefits of walnuts. Simply eat a small handful every day for long-term health benefits, according to News Medical.