By Talise Allan
For years, scientists have been researching the effects of supplements on cancer. One area they have focused a lot of attention is on fish and cancer, specifically as it pertains to breast and prostate cancer. In studies around the globe, the link between omega 3 and cancer is very clear.
Preventing Prostate and Breast Cancer
The most commonly-researched contributing factor to cancer seems to be diet. It's not surprising if you're confused about what's okay to eat and what isn't! We hear all the time to avoid soy, drink soy milk, eat soy tofu, steer clear of soy protein powder, eat red meat, avoid red meat... what to do?
One of the most-often studied contributors is fat, specifically dietary fat.
As research becomes more and more focused, it's clear that not all fat is the same. When researchers began studying fish oil fat (omega 3s, in the form of EPA and DHA), it became clear that this was in fact a superstar fat: not only does it not cause cancer, but in fact these poly-unsaturated fats can help to stop the growth of breast and prostate cancer cells.
How does it work for breast cancer? Well, an excess of omega 6, the linoleic acid omega, can decrease the production of 2-hydroxyestrogens, which are anti-carcinogenic. Omega 3 and cancer don't get along, however, and supplementing women in test studies has proven that increasing omega 3s in their diets helped them produce more of these 2-hydroxyestrogens, keeping women's estrogen levels balanced and safe.
Similarly for prostate cancer, the defense mechanism seems to be strengthening your body's resistance cells by getting enough EPA and DHA omega 3.
Tracking These Results Around the Globe
Scientists have followed this phenomenon around the globe: turns out that places that used to have low incidences of these cancers, such as Japan, have rising incidences that can be attributed almost directly to a more 'western' diet: that is, a diet higher in omega 6s, that throws off the ratio of omega 3 to omega 6 in our bodies.
Avoiding the Risk
How can you avoid getting too much of omega 6 in your diet? Avoid the following foods, which create free radicals in your body and lead to cellular damage:
* Safflower Oil
* Margarine
* Corn Oil
* Mayonnaise
* commercial baked goods, especially those with hydrogenated vegetable oil or shortening
By limiting your exposure to these foods, and increasing your intake of oily fish or fish oil, you can fortify your body against cancer.
The Latest Research
In addition to the latest research on omega 3 and cancer prevention, studies released just last week have found a definitive link between supplementing chemotherapy patients with this fatty acid and helping to prevent muscle loss and weight loss.
One of the most common side effects for chemotherapy patients is a loss of muscle mass and weight, and this can make them even more fatigued than the medications alone. This prolongs cancer recovery time.
By adding a regular fish oil supplement, patients were able to maintain or increase muscle mass and gave them a better chance at recovery in a timely manner.
Why don't we hear more about omega 3 and cancer? Simple. There's not much money in fish oil, and it can't be patented. Pharmaceutical companies are our main source of healthcare information these days because they have the budget to reach us and reach our doctors. Take some time to educate yourself about other treatments, though, like fish oil, and you'll see you're not helpless when it comes to preventing cancer.
For years, scientists have been researching the effects of supplements on cancer. One area they have focused a lot of attention is on fish and cancer, specifically as it pertains to breast and prostate cancer. In studies around the globe, the link between omega 3 and cancer is very clear.
Preventing Prostate and Breast Cancer
The most commonly-researched contributing factor to cancer seems to be diet. It's not surprising if you're confused about what's okay to eat and what isn't! We hear all the time to avoid soy, drink soy milk, eat soy tofu, steer clear of soy protein powder, eat red meat, avoid red meat... what to do?
One of the most-often studied contributors is fat, specifically dietary fat.
As research becomes more and more focused, it's clear that not all fat is the same. When researchers began studying fish oil fat (omega 3s, in the form of EPA and DHA), it became clear that this was in fact a superstar fat: not only does it not cause cancer, but in fact these poly-unsaturated fats can help to stop the growth of breast and prostate cancer cells.
How does it work for breast cancer? Well, an excess of omega 6, the linoleic acid omega, can decrease the production of 2-hydroxyestrogens, which are anti-carcinogenic. Omega 3 and cancer don't get along, however, and supplementing women in test studies has proven that increasing omega 3s in their diets helped them produce more of these 2-hydroxyestrogens, keeping women's estrogen levels balanced and safe.
Similarly for prostate cancer, the defense mechanism seems to be strengthening your body's resistance cells by getting enough EPA and DHA omega 3.
Tracking These Results Around the Globe
Scientists have followed this phenomenon around the globe: turns out that places that used to have low incidences of these cancers, such as Japan, have rising incidences that can be attributed almost directly to a more 'western' diet: that is, a diet higher in omega 6s, that throws off the ratio of omega 3 to omega 6 in our bodies.
Avoiding the Risk
How can you avoid getting too much of omega 6 in your diet? Avoid the following foods, which create free radicals in your body and lead to cellular damage:
* Safflower Oil
* Margarine
* Corn Oil
* Mayonnaise
* commercial baked goods, especially those with hydrogenated vegetable oil or shortening
By limiting your exposure to these foods, and increasing your intake of oily fish or fish oil, you can fortify your body against cancer.
The Latest Research
In addition to the latest research on omega 3 and cancer prevention, studies released just last week have found a definitive link between supplementing chemotherapy patients with this fatty acid and helping to prevent muscle loss and weight loss.
One of the most common side effects for chemotherapy patients is a loss of muscle mass and weight, and this can make them even more fatigued than the medications alone. This prolongs cancer recovery time.
By adding a regular fish oil supplement, patients were able to maintain or increase muscle mass and gave them a better chance at recovery in a timely manner.
Why don't we hear more about omega 3 and cancer? Simple. There's not much money in fish oil, and it can't be patented. Pharmaceutical companies are our main source of healthcare information these days because they have the budget to reach us and reach our doctors. Take some time to educate yourself about other treatments, though, like fish oil, and you'll see you're not helpless when it comes to preventing cancer.
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