New research suggests that omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, known as “healthy fats,” may help protect against various cancers.
These fats are already celebrated for lowering cholesterol, improving brain health, and supporting mental wellness.
Now, a study from the University of Georgia adds cancer prevention to their list of benefits.
The study, published in the International Journal of Cancer, analyzed data from over 250,000 people in the United Kingdom, tracked for more than 10 years.
Researchers found that people with higher levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in their blood had lower rates of cancer.
According to Yuchen Zhang, lead author and doctoral student at UGA, “Higher omega-3 and omega-6 levels were linked to reduced cancer rates. This shows that eating more of these fats could benefit the average person.”
Lower cancer risks across the body
People with higher omega-3 levels were less likely to develop cancers of the colon, stomach, and lungs, as well as other digestive tract cancers. Omega-6 was linked to reduced risks of 14 cancers, including brain cancer, malignant melanoma, and bladder cancer.
Overall, these healthy fats were associated with a lower risk of 19 different cancers. Importantly, the benefits were consistent regardless of factors like body weight, alcohol use, or physical activity levels.
Easy ways to boost healthy fats
Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are found in fatty fish like salmon and mackerel, nuts, seeds, and plant oils such as canola and flaxseed oil.
Unfortunately, many people don’t eat enough of these foods, making fish oil supplements a popular alternative.
These supplements have also been shown to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease.
A word of caution
While omega-3 and omega-6 are beneficial for most people, there may be exceptions. The study found that higher omega-3 levels might slightly increase the risk of prostate cancer in men. Younger people, especially women, seemed to gain the most from omega-6 fatty acids.
“For women, it’s an easy choice: eat more omega-3,” said Kaixiong Ye, the study’s senior author.
This research highlights the potential cancer-fighting benefits of omega-3 and omega-6, but as always, balance is key. Eating a variety of healthy fats and consulting with your doctor about supplements can help you make the best choices for your health.
If you care about cancer, please read studies about a new method to treat cancer effectively, and this low-dose, four-drug combo may block cancer spread.
For more information about cancer prevention, please see recent studies about nutrient in fish that can be a poison for cancer, and results showing this daily vitamin is critical to cancer prevention.
