Prostate cancer in men: Eating nuts can significantly reduce mortality risk

Nuts such as walnuts, pistachios, hazelnuts, cashews and almonds may significantly reduce prostate cancer mortality in men, a study has revealed. Prostate cancer is the second most lethal cancer and most commonly diagnosed cancer in men.

The research, published in British Journal of Cancer, showed that men who consume nuts five or more times a week had a 34 percent reduced mortality rate due to prostate cancer. The figures are in comparison to those who consumed nuts less than once per month.

Experts at Harvard Medical School in Boston studied 47,000 men over 26 years of age. Out of the 6,800 had developed prostate cancer. Surprisingly, the study did not find any “statistically significant associations” between prostate cancer diagnosis and eating nuts. However, when it came to reducing mortality rates, the nuts surprised the scientists.

The study suggested that even though nuts are not associated with cancer diagnosis, they may still improve on the survival rate of patients. According to Executive Director at the International Tree Nut Council Nutrition Research & Education Foundation, Maureen Ternus, 1.5 ounces of nuts every day, that is about 1/3 cup, can have a hugely positive impact on one’s health.

In a 2009 study, researchers had claimed that eating Brazil nuts in large quantities could help fight prostate cancer. Brazil nuts contain high amounts of mineral selenium that has anti-cancer properties. Consuming the Brazil nuts protects tissues and cells from damaging molecules, revealed The Telegraph.

Insulin resistance is a major cause in prostate cancer risk and progression. With the development of this condition, cells of the body become resistant to the hormone insulin. Tree nuts are also known to decrease mortality rates by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing risks associated with cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.

The researchers said that nuts contain essential minerals, vitamins, phyto-chemicals, high quality protein and unsaturated fats. The presence of these properties makes nuts anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic and cardio-protective. Nuts also have antioxidant properties.

Participants in the study were diagnosed with non-metastatic cancer where only 10 percent died of prostate cancer and one-third died from cardiovascular diseases and other causes. Thus, nuts should be a part of one’s healthy diet.