We have all heard our elders talk about the benefits of nuts and seeds, they constantly tell us to snack on these instead of unhealthy foods. These popular nuts are not only desert friendly but something that research shows to have anti-cancer properties: Walnuts. A new clinical study from the UConn School of Medicine has found that eating walnuts can help reduce the risk of colon cancer. The research, published in the journal Cancer Prevention Research, shows that a special substance in walnuts helps fight inflammation in the body. Why Walnuts Are So Effective Against CancerWalnuts have natural plant chemicals called ellagitannins. When you eat walnuts, the bacteria in your gut change these chemicals into very powerful molecules called urolithins. These urolithins are what make walnuts so good at fighting inflammation and possibly cancer. In the study, researchers found that patients who had high levels of a specific urolithin (called urolithin A) had less inflammation in their bodies. They measured this by checking blood, urine, and even stool samples. The benefits were especially noticeable in patients who were obese, as their bodies were able to create more of this helpful urolithin. How the Study Worked The study included 39 patients, all between 40 and 65 years old, who were already at a higher risk for colon cancer. The trial had two main parts: The Starting Phase: For one week, the patients had to stop eating any foods or drinks that contained ellagitannins to make sure their urolithin levels were as low as possible. The Walnut Diet: For the next three weeks, the patients ate walnuts as part of a carefully watched diet. At the end of the study, doctors performed a detailed colonoscopy on everyone. They looked closely at any small growths, called polyps, that were removed. Using advanced technology, they could see what was happening at a cellular level inside these polyps. They made some key discoveries: Patients with high urolithin A levels had lower levels of certain proteins that are often found in polyps.They also saw a big drop in a protein called vimentin, which is often linked to more serious forms of colon cancer.These findings are a major step forward because they are the first to show that eating walnuts can directly improve colon health in people. The main researcher, Dr. Rosenberg, says that eating walnuts can significantly increase urolithin levels in people with the right gut bacteria. This can help lower inflammation and might even help prevent cancer. He suggests that simply eating a handful of walnuts every day is an easy and effective step you can take for your long-term health. Key Health Benefits of Walnuts The official dietary guidelines recommend eating about 5 ounces of nuts, seeds, and soy products each week. One serving of walnuts, which is about one ounce, contains: Heart Health Walnuts are the only common nut that contains a significant amount of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid. This compound helps reduce inflammation, which can lower your risk of heart disease. Brain Health The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds in walnuts may help your brain function better and slow down mental decline that can come with age. This includes improving your memory and ability to think clearly. Gut Health Your gut is home to trillions of bacteria and microbes that are essential for your health. Studies have shown that eating walnuts daily can lead to a healthier mix of bacteria in your gut.