New Study Shows Melatonin in Walnuts Protective Against Cancer and Heart Disease

New Study Shows Melatonin in Walnuts Protective Against Cancer and Heart Disease

SACRAMENTO, California, September 13/PRNewswire/ -- Many think melatonin is something you can take to fall asleep after long
airplane flights, but scientists are studying how this powerful antioxidant
actually fights diseases like cancer, may impact diseases associated with
aging and likely will allow people to live healthier lives. Research at The
University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio has proven walnuts
are a natural source of melatonin.

According to Russel J. Reiter, Ph.D., Professor of Neuroendocrinology at
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, "The
ingredients in walnuts would be expected to reduce the incidence of cancer,
delay or make less severe neurodegenerative diseases of aging, including
Parkinsonism, Alzheimer's disease and reduce the severity of cardiovascular
disease." Published in the September issue of Nutrition: The International
Journal of Applied and Basic Nutritional Sciences, the study is titled
"Melatonin in walnuts: Influence on levels of melatonin and total antioxidant
capacity of blood."

Dr. Reiter's study found walnuts are a potent source of melatonin, which
is easily absorbed in the body. "When walnuts are consumed, blood levels of
melatonin increase threefold," notes Reiter. Studies have shown walnuts
reduce the risk of heart disease due to their combination of healthy
nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. Reiter believes it
is the synergy among the ingredients in walnuts -- the combination of
nutrients plus the melatonin that makes them so beneficial. "Melatonin and
omega-3s, both of which are in walnuts, starve cancers because they prevent
the growth of cancer cells. When you take melatonin as a tablet, you are
exclusively getting melatonin. I think the value of the walnut is the
composite of what it contains."

EXPERT INTERVIEW:
-- Russel J. Reiter, Ph.D., The University of Texas Health Science Center
at San Antonio
+1-210-567-3859 or reiter@uthscsa.edu

AVAILABLE:
-- Press Release from The University of Texas Health Science Center at
San Antonio: http://www.uthscsa.edu/hscnews/newsrelease.asp
-- Abstract:
http://www.journals.elsevierhealth.com/periodicals/nut/article
/PIIS0899900705001632/abstract
-- Summary of walnuts clinical scientific research
-- Photography/Recipes
-- Video B-roll
-- www.walnuts.org

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Web site: http://www.walnuts.org

Source: Walnut Marketing Board

Stephen Mitchell, +1-925-899-4101, or Alicia Balkrishna, +1-415-336-1712, or alicia@torme.com, both of Torme Lauricella Public Relations, office, +1-415-956-1791

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Profile: Agriculture