Melatonin for Health and Prevention
Melatonin is manufactured by the pineal gland in the center of our brain and secreted during darkness. Besides its well known functions of setting the biological clock and controlling circadian rhythms, melatonin is also a powerful antioxidant. It is able to significantly reduce levels of oxidative stress in the body due to damage by toxic molecules called free radicals. These reactive species are produced by the thousands every second of the day in most body cells as a normal byproduct of metabolism.
It’s Also in Food
According to Russel Reiter, Professor of Neuroendocrinology at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, “Melatonin is found in all vertebrates and invertebrates, even in algae, slime molds and bacteria, so we not only produce it in our bodies, but we eat it in our diets.” Happily, this health enhancing hormone has been found to be present in walnuts in greater amounts than in any other plant food. Reiter conducted research that shows the melatonin in walnuts to be easily absorbed and utilized by the body.
Research
The study determined walnuts to be an excellent source of melatonin that significantly improves antioxidant status in the body. “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,” stated Dr. Reiter.
Earlier studies have shown walnuts reduce the risk of heart disease due to their combination of healthy nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids and abundant antioxidant compounds. Reiter believes it’s the synergy of nutrients plus the melatonin that makes the nuts so beneficial. He states that melatonin and omega-3’s together prevent the growth and reproduction of cancer cells and he plans further study to explore this synergistic effect.
A Portion for Protection
Many diseases of aging, including cataracts, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, are largely due to chronic, low grade inflammation resulting from ongoing free-radical damage of tissues. Melatonin acts like a cellular “Pac-Man”, devouring free radicals before they cause harm. That’s one good reason to frequently include walnuts in our daily recommendation by U.S. Dietary Guidelines to eat a handful of nuts each day.
References:
Walnuts Contain Melatonin Research Shows. (September 13, 2005) UT Heatlh Science Center San Antonio [Online]. Available: http://www.uthscsa.edu/hscnews/singleformat.asp?newID=1677
Melatonin in walnuts: Influence on levels of melatonin and total antioxidant capacity of blood. (September 2005) Nutrition: The International Journal of Applied and Basic Nutritional Sciences [Online]. Available:
http://www.journals.elsevierhealth.com/periodicals/nut/article/PIIS0899900705001632/abstract
