Melatonin in walnuts could protect against cancer and heart disease- study
New research shows that walnuts contain a fair amount of melatonin, a hormone that protects our cells against oxidative damage.
14/09/05 Many think melatonin is something you can take to fall asleep after long airplane flights, but scientists are studying how this powerful antioxidant actually fights diseases like cancer, may impact diseases associated with aging and likely will allow people to live healthier lives. Research at The University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio has proven walnuts are a natural source of melatonin.
According to Russel J. Reiter, Ph.D., Professor of Neuroendocrinology at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, "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." Published in the September issue of Nutrition: The International Journal of Applied and Basic Nutritional Sciences, the study is titled "Melatonin in walnuts: Influence on levels of melatonin and total antioxidant capacity of blood."
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," notes Reiter. Studies have shown walnuts reduce the risk of heart disease due to their combination of healthy nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. Reiter believes it is the synergy among the ingredients in walnuts -- the combination of nutrients plus the melatonin that makes them so beneficial. "Melatonin and omega-3s, both of which are in walnuts, starve cancers because they prevent the growth of cancer cells. When you take melatonin as a tablet, you are exclusively getting melatonin. I think the value of the walnut is the composite of what it contains."
The next time you reach for salad greens and dressing, you might consider adding some walnuts. New research out of The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio shows that walnuts contain a fair amount of melatonin, a hormone that protects our cells against oxidative damage.
The research is reported in the September issue of the journal Nutrition.
Many diseases of aging, including cataracts, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, have a free-radical component, Dr. Reiter said. A primary theory of aging states that aging and its associated degenerative changes are consequences of free-radical damage. Melatonin acts like a cellular "Pac-Man" gobbling up free radicals before they can cause harm.
Walnuts also contain large amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to inhibit certain types of cancer and to be heart healthy. Melatonin also has been shown to inhibit certain types of cancer. "Maybe these two ingredients complement each other," Dr. Reiter said. He plans an upcoming study to explore this synergistic effect.
Melatonin was first described in corn, tomatoes and potatoes, which have very little of it. Walnuts are a different story.
The California Walnut Industry provided a grant to support Dr. Reiter's research.
