Scientific studies have already shown a connection between the consumption of nuts and a decrease in mortality as well as a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. However, when it comes to cancerous disease, there is only limited proof of a connection. In 2017, the researchers behind the Dutch cohort study examined the connection between the consumption of nuts and peanuts and the risk of post-menopausal breast cancer.

In the course of this cohort study, 62,573 women aged between 55 and 69 received information on diets and lifestyles in 1986. After 20 years of follow-up observations, 2,321 cases of breast cancer had occurred. In 1,665 of these cases, the data situation was sufficient to conduct further analyses.

The result: Women who ate at least 10 grams of nuts or peanuts per day had a significantly lower risk of suffering from oestrogen receptor-negative breast cancer, a type of breast cancer that is relatively difficult to treat. Women who had not eaten any nuts had an increased risk of disease. Summary: The results of the Dutch cohort study indicate a reverse association between the intake of nuts and/or peanuts and oestrogen receptor-negative breast cancer.