Healthy omega fatty acids may be lifesaving, shielding you from multiple forms of cancer. The same nutrients that can help you with your cholesterol levels, brain health, and heart health may also be defending you against a range of cancers according to a study recently published in the International Journal of Cancer.
This study analyzed data from more than 250,000 people who were followed for an average of 13 years to investigate how omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids relate to cancer by examining blood levels. Statistical modeling was used to predict whether higher or lower levels of these nutrients could affect the risk of a range of cancers. During the follow-up close to 30,000 were diagnosed with a form of cancer.
Cancer protecting effects
The analysis revealed that higher levels of omega-3s were linked to lower rates of lung, colon, and stomach cancers as well as other digestive tract cancers, but were associated with a slight increase in the risk of prostate cancer. Additionally, those with elevated levels of omega-6s had a reduced risk of 14 forms of site-specific cancers including skin, bladder, malignant melanoma, and brain cancers.
“These findings suggest that the average person should focus on getting more of these fatty acids in their diets,” said doctoral student Yuchen Zhang who led the study at the University of Georgia College of Public Health.
The protective effects of omega-6 were found to be stronger in younger people, especially women, and higher levels of omega-3s might be linked to a slightly elevated risk of prostate cancer in men. Additionally, the protective effects of the fatty acids were not dependent on other lifestyle factors such as BMI, activity levels, or alcohol use, meaning that the cancer-protecting effects appeared to hold true regardless of overall health profile.
Supplements are not a one-size-fits-all solution
Most Americans are not eating enough sources of these nutrients to reach the recommended amounts, which is why many turn to fish oil supplements. For women, it is an easy decision to eat more sources of these essential nutrients, but taking supplements is trickier as fish oil supplements are not a one-size-fits-all solution.
Although previous research has also shown that fish oil supplements can also help to lower cholesterol and the risk of heart disease, anyone considering taking a supplement should consult with their primary care provider beforehand.
Where to find them
Both of these fatty acids are considered to be healthy fats that are essential for maintaining proper bodily function:
Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fat that are essential for human health and are important for many functions in the body, including building brain cells, heart health, and brain function.
Omega-6 fatty acids are a type of fat that is essential for human health, but the body cannot make them, so they must come from food. They are found in vegetable oils, nuts, and seeds. These polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) play a role in brain function, growth and development, skin and hair growth, bone health, metabolism, and the reproductive system.
Whenever possible it is always recommended to get nutrients from food sources. The omegas can be obtained in foods like flaxseed, Chia seeds, edamame, kidney beans, nuts, eggs, sunflower seeds, avocado oil, tofu, and fatty fish, among other food sources.
As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. WHN does not agree or disagree with any of the materials posted. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement. Additionally, it is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
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References/Sources/Materials provided by:
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ijc.35226
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Omega3FattyAcids-Consumer
https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/supplement/omega-6-fatty-acids
https://publichealth.uga.edu/high-levels-of-omega-3-omega-6-may-protect-against-cancer/
https://worldhealth.net/news/some-rounds-omega-3-fatty-acids/
