Studies Show That Regular Consumption of Nuts is Inversely Related to Death Due to Cancer

BARCELONA, Spain, February 4, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --

• On the occasion of the celebration of the World Day against Cancer, the INC (International  Nut and Dried Fruit Council) reports that the regular consumption of nuts is associated with a reduced mortality risk, according to a recent study run by Harvard University. 
• Today, cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, accounting for 8.2 million deaths per year. 

Given the forecast and coinciding with the World Day against Cancer, the International Nut & Dried Fruit Council (INC) wants to share some facts that can help us live a healthier life and may help prevent this disease.

     (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150204/728195 )

According to a recent study run by Harvard University, which analyzed over 100,000 people over 30 years, nut consumption was inversely associated with total mortality by over 20%, disregarding the cause, and had an inverse relationship with some of the most common causes of death, such as cardiovascular disease and cancer.

This study, the largest ever conducted investigating the effect of nut intake on mortality, concluded that participants who ate a daily handful of nuts reduced the chance of mortality due to cancer by 11%, compared to those who didn't consume any nuts. Dr. Ying Bao concluded that "nut consumption was inversely associated with mortality, independently of other risk factors".

In another study also run by Dr. Bao called "Nut consumption and risk of pancreatic cancer in women", it was revealed that frequent nut consumption is inversely associated with the risk of pancreatic cancer in women, independent of other potential risk factors for pancreatic cancer.

Besides nuts, dried fruits are also suggested for cancer prevention, as they are as healthy as their fresh equivalent and high in polyphenols, which are strong antioxidants that may protect DNA against damage, decrease inflammation and prevent cancer.

Properties and Benefits 

A number of scientific studies have demonstrated the health benefits of nuts and dried fruits. All these benefits are attributed to the multiple components that these products have, such as vitamin E, folic acid, magnesium, arginine, plant sterols and phytochemical compounds. Furthermore, they have a low content of saturated fatty acids, among others.

About the INC 

The International Nut & Dried Fruit Council (INC) groups nearly 700 companies of the nut and dried fruit sector from over 70 countries. INC is the international organization of reference as regards nuts and dried fruits, health, nutrition, food safety, statistics, international standards and regulations.

Conect with INC:  Facebook  &  website

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For more information and interview management: Gemma Garcia Farreras, [email protected] or Claudia Mesegué [email protected], (+34)-93-415-37-05

SOURCE The International Nut Council