The benefits of consuming walnuts for your health may extend far beyond lowering your cholesterol if this latest research about slowing the growth of prostate cancer in mice soon applies to humans.

Scientists discovered this nutty breakthrough after feeding mice that were genetically bred to develop prostate cancer the same diet for 18 weeks, with a single exception: One group was given the human equivalent of 2.4 ounces of walnuts daily while the other received an equal amount of fats, just not from walnuts.

The growth of prostate tumors dropped by as much as 40 percent among mice on the walnut-based diet as compared to the control group. The walnut group also had lower levels of insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), a protein linked to prostate cancer. Even better, the presence of walnuts affected multiple mouse genes connected with controlling tumor metabolism and growth.

Learn more about the health benefits of walnuts and other nuts by reading the final installment of our three-part series on nature's healthiest superfoods: Nuts About Nuts? 5 Top Health Nuts to Feast On.

ScienceDaily March 23, 2010

UPI.com March 24, 2010