Study Shows Omega-3 Fats Reduce Cancer Tumor Growth Rates
AÂ study in the August issue of the journal Clinical Cancer Research indicates that prostate cancer tumor growth as well as prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels were reduced by consuming a more balanced ratio of omega-3 fatty acids to omega-6 fatty acids.
The study was performed by researchers from UCLA and involved mice with hormone-sensitive prostate cancer, which is closely related to the disease in humans. The mice were split into two groups: Group one received a diet with a healthy 1:1 ratio of omega-3 fatty acids to omega-6 fatty acids, and group two received a diet with omega-6 as the source of most of the fats.
When the study concluded, group one experienced a 22 percent decrease in the rate of tumor cell growth as well as PSA levels that were lower than that of the second group by 77 percent. According to the researchers, the omega-3 fatty acids reduce tumor growth because the DHA and EPA are converted into anti-inflammatory prostaglandins, whereas omega-6 fatty acids promote tumor growth because they are converted into pro-inflammatory prostaglandins.
Lead researcher Dr. William Aronson says “This study strongly suggests that eating a healthier ratio of these two types of fatty acids may make a difference in reducing prostate cancer growth, but studies need to be conducted in humans before any clinical recommendations can be made.”
Aronson also mentioned that the typical Western diet generally consists of a 1:20 ratio of omega-3s to omega-6 fatty acids, which come primarily from corn oil, safflower oil and red meat. Because of the study’s results, a clinical trial testing balanced dietary ratios of the two fatty acids on men undergoing prostate removal, which could lead to a larger clinical trial and possibly mainstream treatment in the future is now being conducted by the researchers.
Frank Mangano’s commentary:
You might say omega-3 fatty acids are the next best thing to sliced bread. I say they’re better. The evidence that has surfaced on omega-3 makes it seem almost miraculous.
Consumption of Omega-3 fatty acids provide a long list of health benefits, which include desirable effects on blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels. They help improve the skin and hair as well as aid in the prevention of arthritis.
However it is very important to make sure your diet consists of a balanced ratio of omega-3 fatty acids to omega-6 fatty acids, just as this study suggests.
Some good sources of omega-3 include chia seeds, salmon, flaxseeds, grape seed oil and primrose oil. If you plan on taking a fish oil supplement I highly recommend using Carlson’s liquid fish and cod liver oil by Carlson Laboratories.
I have no financial ties to this company. I personally use Carlson’s Fish and Cod Liver Oil and recommend it simply because I believe it’s the best on the market. This is due to the optimal amounts of EPA and DHA, the strict guidelines they follow for purity (keeping their oil free of chemical modification and contaminants like mercury or lead) and the addition of extra vitamin E to protect the freshness and potency of the oil.
Read my article on Omega-3 fatty acids and cardiovascular disease here.
Related Posts
- Chemicals in Grape Seed Extract Halts Colorectal Tumor Growth, Research Shows
- New Study Shows That Cancer Drug Causes Heart Damage in 28 Percent of Patients…
- Low Fat Diet Reduces Breast Cancer Relapse in Women, Study Suggests
- Increased Vitamin D Intake Can Ward Off Cancer, Study Shows
- Intake of Prenatal Vitamins Drastically Reduces Children’s Cancer Risk, Study Finds
 
|
Enjoy this article? We guarantee your privacy. Your email address will NEVER be rented, traded or sold. |
Visit my new site: Self Help On The Web
 |
 |
Posted: March 13th, 2007 under Fatty Acids.
