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Urolithin A (UA), a metabolic byproduct of the plant-derived polyphenols, ellagitannins, found in walnuts, are thought to contribute to these findings
New findings published in Cancer Prevention Research show daily walnut consumption may improve markers of systemic inflammation and reduce colon cancer risk. Colon cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide and accounts for around 10 per cent of total cancer diagnoses.
Urolithin A (UA), a metabolic byproduct of the plant-derived polyphenols, ellagitannins, found in walnuts, are thought to contribute to these findings.
Researchers at the University of Connecticut analysed the impact of 56g of daily walnut consumption among 39 healthy adult participants, aged 50-65, on urinary urolithins and markers of inflammation, immunity and other indicators of colonic health for three weeks before undergoing a routine colonoscopy. The clinical trial followed a preclinical study by Dr Masako Nakanishi, an investigator in the Rosenberg lab, who first reported on the effects of walnut consumption on colon cancer. In the present study, researchers found that consuming a walnut-containing diet resulted in increased urinary UA levels which were linked to lower levels of several inflammatory markers present in the blood.
In addition, the study found changes in colon polyps that could ultimately prove to be beneficial for preventing the development of some cancers. Urolithins have been studied for their anti-inflammatory properties and may play a role in cancer prevention.4,5 It is thought that higher levels of urinary UA could be responsible for these changes that were observed in polyp tissues, even after a short exposure interval to walnuts.
Dr Daniel W Rosenberg, the HealthNet Chair in Cancer Biology and an investigator at the Center for Molecular Oncology at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine, has been studying the properties of walnuts and their anti-inflammatory benefits for more than a decade.
“Walnuts are an exceptional source of health-promoting nutrients called ellagitannins. These nutrients, when broken down by the gut microbiome to form urolithin A, are thought to reduce inflammation and may be responsible for reducing the risk of colon cancer,” notes Rosenberg.
Beyond their ellagitannin content, walnuts are known for their nutrient composition. Walnuts are the only nut to provide an excellent source of omega-3 ALA (2.5g/28g), which has been researched to support brain health, heart health and more.6 Walnuts also provide 4 grams of plant-based protein along with a variety of other nutrients in just one handful.7
“This study adds to the growing body of evidence supporting walnuts as a functional food with benefits that go beyond basic nutrition. The ability of walnuts to produce urolithin A — a compound linked to reduced inflammation and potential protection against colon cancer — makes them especially relevant today, as more Indians face digestive health challenges linked to modern diets and lifestyles. Including a handful of walnuts daily is a simple, effective habit that can support gut health and contribute to overall wellness,” states Naaznin Husein, Member of the Indian Dietetic Association.