Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio have proven that walnuts are a natural source of melatonin, an antioxidant that is believed to be beneficial in fighting diseases like cancer and may also impact diseases associated with aging.
“The ingredients in walnuts would be expected to reduce the incidence of cancer, delay or make less severe neurodegenerative diseases of aging, including Parkinsonism, Alzheimer’s disease and reduce the severity of cardiovascular disease,” said Russel J. Reiter, Professor of Neuroendocrinology at the centre.
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Published in the September issue of Nutrition, Dr. Reiter’s study found walnuts are a potent source of melatonin, which is easily absorbed in the body.
“When walnuts are consumed, blood levels of melatonin increase threefold,” said Dr. Reiter. “Melatonin and omega-3s, both of which are in walnuts, starve cancers because they prevent the growth of cancer cells… Maybe these two ingredients complement each other.”
The California Walnut Industry provided a grant to support Dr. Reiter’s research.
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