How Omega-3 Fatty Acids Prevent Cancer
Extensive research shows that omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and help prevent risk factors associated with chronic diseases such as cancer. The body needs these fatty acids, but it cannot make them and must get them from food sources, such as oily fish, avocados, nuts, and nut oils.
Because essential fatty acids are highly concentrated in the brain, they also appear to be particularly important for cognitive and behavioral function.
Three Types of Omega-3s
The three major types of omega-3 acids found in foods include alpha linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
After you consume foods with omega-3 fatty acids, the body turns ALA to EPA and DHA, the two forms of omega-3 acids that the body can most easily absorb and use. It's important to eat a diet that provides a healthy balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids; omega-3s reduce inflammation, and omega-6 acids increase it.
A healthy diet should consist of roughly two to four times more omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3 fatty acids. Unfortunately, the average American consumes 14 to 25 times more omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3 fatty acids. Researchers believe this may be responsible for the spiraling rate of inflammatory disorders in the United States.
The Mediterranean diet includes a healthy balance of omega-3 and omega-6 acids, as well as omega-9 fatty acids, which work together to help lower the risk of heart disease and cancer.
Omega-3s and Colon Cancer
Studies conducted on Inuits, who consume a diet that is high in omega-3-rich fish, have a lower incidence of colon cancer than other populations, even though they consume a high-fat diet.
The delicate balance between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids appears to play an important role in the development and growth of breast cancer. Researchers speculate that omega-3 fatty acids in combination with other nutrients (namely, vitamin C, vitamin E, betacarotene, selenium, and coenzyme Q10) may help prevent and treat breast cancer.
Studies show that omega-3 fatty acids prevent worsening of colon cancer while omega-6 fatty acids promote the growth of colon tumors. Research also shows that low levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the body are a marker for an increased risk of colon cancer.
Omega-3s and Breast Cancer
Women who regularly consume foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids over many years may be less likely to develop breast cancer, according to recent studies. In addition, the risk of dying from breast cancer may be significantly less for those who eat large quantities of omega-3 from fish and brown kelp seaweed. The risks are especially low for women who substitute seaweed for meat products.
Omega-3s and Prostate Cancer
Studies show men who consume a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids from fish or fish oil supplements and eat a diet that has a healthy balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids can help reduce their risk of developing prostate cancer.
Make sure to keep flaxseed and flaxseed oil in the refrigerator so they don't lose their potent action. If you're juicing with ground flaxseeds, use them within twenty-four hours or purchase flaxseeds in mylar packaging, which helps them retain their freshness.
Good Sources of Omega-3
Good sources of omega-3 fatty acids include oily, cold-water fish such as salmon, tuna, sardines, halibut, mackerel, and herring. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are prevalent in fish, while ALA is abundant in nuts and seeds and their oils, including flaxseed, canola, pumpkin, walnut, soybean, and purslane.
In addition to dietary sources, EPA and DHA can be taken in the form of fish oil capsules.
