Almonds Appear to Reduce Risk of Colon Cancer in Rat Study

Almonds, despite their high fat content, appear to reduce the risk of colon cancer in rats, according to researchers at the University of California at Davis.

The unique mix of nutrients and other components in almonds may account for this preventive effect, according to the study published in Cancer Letters.

High-fat foods are traditionally associated with an increased risk of cancer, but studies have found that those who ate nuts had a lower risk of cancer and other disease, according to the researchers.

Researchers designed a study to look at the relationship of the fat in almonds with colon cancer by feeding rats different diets consisting of whole almonds, almond meal, or almond oil. Two control diets of cellulose and wheat bran were used as the comparison diets.

Researchers examined the large intestines of the rats for early markers of colon cancer and found that all of the almond diets reduced the risk of colon cancer in spite of the high fat content of the diets.

"Almonds contain many healthful substances that include antioxidants and phytochemicals," said Paul A. Davis, research professor and lead author of the study. "The significant effect of the whole almond seems to indicate that when we study whole foods, like almonds, and whole diets we see results from the combination of nutrients working together to protect colon cells from cancer."

Other sources: University of California at Davis