Hazelnuts Show Promise in Colorectal Cancer Prevention, New Review Suggests
A systematic review of recent studies indicates that hazelnuts, packed with fiber and antioxidants, may hold potential in lowering the risk of colorectal cancer – tho further research is needed to confirm thes findings in human populations.
Colorectal cancer remains a meaningful global health challenge, responsible for nearly 900,000 deaths annually.Identifying preventative strategies,especially through dietary interventions,is crucial given the often late-stage diagnosis and a five-year survival rate of approximately 65%. A new analysis, published in the journal Foods, suggests that incorporating hazelnuts and hazelnut-derived products into the diet could be a promising avenue for prevention.
The Power of bioactive Compounds
The review highlights the rich nutritional profile of hazelnuts, specifically their high content of monounsaturated fatty acids, dietary fibers, and bioactive compounds like polyphenols. These compounds are known for their potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties. Researchers systematically analyzed experimental and observational studies to assess the impact of hazelnuts on colorectal cancer-related outcomes.
Polyphenols are a large family of naturally occurring organic compounds characterized by multiple phenol units.Found abundantly in plants, they are known for their antioxidant properties and potential health benefits. Examples include flavonoids, phenolic acids, and lignans. Learn more about polyphenols and their role in health here.
The analysis encompassed ten studies: seven conducted on colorectal cancer cell lines, two utilizing animal models, and one epidemiological study involving human populations. According to the research, hazelnuts appear to modulate signaling pathways associated with cancer progress.
Promising Results in Lab and Animal Studies
In laboratory settings, hazelnut derivatives – including the whole skin, oil, and fermented products – demonstrated the ability to influence cancer pathogenesis. Notably, titrated extracts of hazelnuts exhibited more consistent and considerable effects than non-titrated extracts. These derivatives were shown to upregulate proteins that promote cancer cell death (pro-apoptotic proteins) while simultaneously downregulating those that inhibit it (anti-apoptotic proteins). Furthermore, they boosted antioxidant defenses and stimulated detoxification systems.
Titrated extracts are standardized extracts where the concentration of a specific bioactive compound is precisely measured and controlled.This ensures consistency in the dosage and effect of the extract, making it more reliable for research purposes.
Animal studies, particularly those focusing on FIBEROX®, a polyphenol- and fiber-enriched formulation from roasted hazelnut skins, revealed that hazelnut bioactive compounds could reduce cancer risk by improving lipid metabolism, modulating bile acid profiles, and lowering blood glucose levels. One study also examined a mixed-nut diet including hazelnuts, further supporting these findings.
Human Studies Offer Mixed Signals
however, the single epidemiological study included in the review, which examined general nut consumption, did not demonstrate a clear protective effect of hazelnuts against colorectal cancer. Researchers noted this study lacked specific characterization of hazelnut-specific bioactive intake, potentially obscuring any benefits.
Bridging the Gap: Why the Discrepancy?
The differing results between cell-based, animal, and human studies raise crucial questions. Researchers point to bioavailability as a key factor. The body absorbs and utilizes bioactive compounds from hazelnuts differently in each setting. In animals, gastrointestinal digestion, liver metabolism, and systemic dilution reduce bioavailability. In vitro studies often use concentrations of bioactive compounds unattainable through normal dietary intake, leading to more pronounced effects.
Bioavailability refers to the extent and rate at which a substance (like a nutrient or drug) is absorbed into the bloodstream and becomes available at the site of action.Factors like digestion, metabolism, and individual physiology can significantly impact bioavailability.
Moreover, the complex interplay between cancer cells and the immune system in living organisms – absent in cell cultures – can influence the outcomes of dietary interventions. The gut microbiota, which transforms polyphenols into bioactive metabolites, also differs significantly between animals and humans, impacting the magnitude of observed effects.
The Path Forward: Clinical Trials Needed
These findings underscore the urgent need for well-designed, randomized controlled trials to translate preclinical results into clinical outcomes. Such trials should determine optimal dosages and durations of hazelnut interventions and provide evidence-based dietary recommendations.
Despite the need for further investigation,the authors suggest that,given the favorable nutritional profile and existing mechanistic evidence,hazelnuts could be incorporated into dietary advice aimed at promoting colorectal health. “Pending confirmation from future human trials,” the review concludes, “hazelnuts represent a promising dietary component for colorectal cancer prevention.”
Journal reference: Mazzola G. (2025).Bioactive Properties of Hazelnut-Derived Products in Colorectal Cancer Prevention: A Systematic Review of Preclinical and Epidemiological Studies.Foods. Doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14132154.
Beyond Colorectal Cancer: exploring the Broad Health Benefits of Hazelnuts
Building on the promising association between hazelnuts adn colorectal cancer prevention, it’s worth exploring the wider implications of their consumption. While the research on colorectal cancer is still developing, the nutritional profile of hazelnuts suggests a range of other potential health benefits. As the review emphasizes, the rich concentration of bioactive compounds, healthy fats, and fiber underscores hazelnuts’ potential as a valuable component of a health-conscious diet.
The diverse nutrient composition of hazelnuts contributes to several positive health outcomes.[[1]] [[2]] the monounsaturated fatty acids found in hazelnuts support heart health by helping to manage cholesterol levels. fiber, an often-underserved nutrient in modern diets, aids in digestive health and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases. These beneficial fats and fibers, coupled with an array of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, make hazelnuts a compelling dietary choice.
Heart Health and Cholesterol Management
One of the most well-
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