How to live longer: One of the healthiest nuts shown to reduce cancer and Alzheimer’s risk

Nuts and seeds are a staple in many health-conscious people’s kitchens. Nut intake, including walnuts, has been associated with a lower risk of Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease risk. Further bolstering the theory that consuming walnuts could help to boost your longevity.

Research shows walnuts could help women who are dealing with breast cancer.

The study, conducted at Marshall University, shows eating two ounces of walnuts a day for about two weeks slowed breast cancer growth or reduced the risk of developing the disease. 

Researchers found that consumption of walnuts slowed breast cancer growth and/or reduced the risk of mammary cancer in mice.

The benefit against cancer was associated with altered expression of genes for cancer growth and survival.

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Authors of the study wrote: “We hypothesised that walnut consumption would alter gene expression in the pathologically confirmed breast cancers of women in a direction that would be expected to decrease breast cancer growth and survival, as was seen in mice.

“If the molecular changes in humans and mice were similar, it seemed reasonable to conclude that the effects on breast cancer in humans should be similar to those seen in mice (i.e., slowed cancer cell growth or increased cancer cell death).

“Consumption of walnuts could be beneficial to combat occurrence or recurrence of breast cancer in humans.”

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In addition to eating healthily, regular exercise can promote longevity.

“Adults should do some type of physical activity every day. Any type of activity is good for you,” explains the NHS.

The health body says adults should do strengthening activities that work all the major muscles (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders and arms) on at least two days a week.