New research suggests that omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids may reduce the risk of several types of cancer, particularly in the digestive tract, brain and skin.
A new study, carried out by scientists at the University of Georgia, in the United States, suggests that, in addition to reducing cholesterol, keeping the brain healthy and improving mental health, fatty acids omega-3 and omega-6 can also help to protect against various types of cancer.
The results of the study were presented in a publication, in October, in International Journal of Cancer.
According to , the study analyzed data from more than 250,000 people and found that higher levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids were associated with a lower risk of developing the disease.
While high levels of omega-3s were associated with lower rates of breast cancer, colon, lung, stomach and other cancers of the digestive treatmentomega-6 levels led to lower rates of 14 different types of the diseaseincluding brain, malignant melanoma, bladder and others.
The researchers also observed a stronger beneficial effect of omega 6 us participants younger, particularly women.
Known as “healthy fats”, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are essential for human health. They are present in fatty fish, nuts and some vegetable oils.
However, most people don’t eat enough food to meet recommended amounts. This is why many turn to supplements of fish oil, dietary medicines that are quite popular on the market.
Previous studies have even suggested that omega-3 supplements can reduce the risk of developing high cholesterol and lower the risk of heart disease.
However, researchers have found that high levels of omega-3 may be associated with a slightly higher risk of prostate cancer.
Like this, “For women, it’s an easy decision: eat more omega 3″, he said Kaixiong Yeassociate professor at the University of Georgia and lead author of the study.
