Cashew nuts, groundnuts, walnuts prevent cancers – Nutritionist

A nutritionist, Hajiya Jummai Hassan, has said that munching of cashew nuts, groundnuts and walnuts help in preventing certain cancers.
Hassan, who works with the Wuse General Hospital, made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Friday.
She said the Omega-3 fatty acids, polyphenols and antioxidants in walnuts work together to stop the development and growth of breast cancer cells.
The nutritionist said walnuts contained multiple ingredients, which research revealed, slow the growth of cancer and strengthen and improve hair growth.
She said the copper contents in cashew nuts helped to fight against cancerous cells, which prevent colon cancer.
Hassan said cashew nuts contained magnesium which helps to lower high blood pressure.
“Like calcium, magnesium is also important for bone health which is the main content in cashew nut,” she said.
Hassan said that groundnuts, also known as peanuts, contain health benefiting nutrients, minerals, antioxidants and vitamins which were essential for optimum health.
She said: “Peanuts are a rich source of minerals such as copper, manganese, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc and selenium.”
She said peanuts contained antioxidant called Resveratrol, which had protective agents against cancers, heart disease and Alzheimer’s diseases.
Hassan added that resveratrol also protected people against degenerative nerve disease, viral and fungal infections.
The nutritionist, however, said peanut caused allergic reaction is some people, especially children.
“Peanut allergy can cause a severe, potentially fatal allergic reaction, to prevent a reaction strict avoidance of peanut and peanut product is essential,” she said.