The formal botanical name, Juglans regia, defines Persian or English walnut. The word juglans, from the Latin, means “the acorn of Jupiter,” while regia refers to royalty. You could actually translate its Latin name to mean the royal acorn of Jupiter.

History

The Romans associated walnut with the Juno, the Roman Goddess Mother and wife of Jupiter. This association led to the unique wedding practice of throwing walnuts at the bride and groom as a symbol of fertility. Women often carried walnuts to promote fertility. There is a legend that presumes walnuts as one of the gifts, like a jewel, presented to Jesus by the three wise men.

Part of the Mediterranean diet and more than Omega-3

Walnuts are a big part of Mediterranean diet. It’s added to salads, soups and even to bread. Walnut contains a rich source of the Omega-3 fatty acid alpha linolenic acid that our body can transform into eicosapentaenoic acid which is the omega-3 source from fish.

Latest cancer researches

The main effects studied so far are related to proliferation. At the Marshall University, a team published a study in the journal of Nutrition and Cancer showing an effect on breast cancer growth but not on apoptosis. There are very few studies on walnut alone, but the positive effect of Med diet on various cancer lead us to believe that this functional food can be used to prevent cancer

Type of cancer affected

Breast cancer

Posologie

4 nuts a day. If they are unshelled use 8 whole pieces since they are cut in half. Boosting your body’s supply of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids couldn’t be any easier-just add a few walnuts to your morning cereal or daily salad or just grab a handful for an afternoon snack.

Cancer protection level

Apoptosis
Angiogenesis
Inflammation
Proliferation

Reference

Suppression of implanted MDA-MB 231 human breast cancer growth in nude mice by dietary walnut. Hardman WE, Ion G. Nutr Cancer. 2008;60(5):666-74.