It’s no secret that fish oil contains a surplus of omega-3 fatty acids, which work various wonders for our health – from lowering “bad” cholesterol levels and the risk of heart disease to boosting mental health and cognitive function – and it’s not the only omega fatty acid with mega perks.
Recent research conducted by the University of Georgia (UGA) suggests that higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, as well as omega-6 fatty acids that are usually found in vegetable oils, may also help reduce the risk of developing 19 site-specific cancers.
However, many have avoided fish oil supplements because of the awful aftertaste – but that may no longer be an issue.
Kid-Tested
Arctic Blue recently unveiled a line of fish oil supplements that can purportedly provide these nutrients in kid-friendly formats.
“Fish oil is an important source of nutrients, especially omega-3s,” said the Dutch company’s founder, Ludo Van de Wiel, “but just because it’s healthy doesn’t mean it’s easy to consume regularly.”
The new oils and gummies are designed to eliminate the “fishy burps” that come with traditional fish oil supplements, which Arctic Blue attributes to their high oxidation levels.
Now that we’ve addressed the aftertaste, let’s delve into the research findings with three cancer experts.
Expert-Approved?
The UGA study, which analyzed data from more than 253,000 participants, found that participants with higher levels of omega-3s experienced lower rates of colon, stomach, and lung cancers, while those with high omega-6 levels saw a reduced risk of brain, bladder, melanoma, and several other cancers.
“These findings suggest that the average person should focus on getting more of these fatty acids in their diets,” explained Yuchen Zhang, a doctoral researcher at UGA.
The results were consistent even after controlling for various cancer risk factors like BMI and alcohol consumption, indicating that omega fatty acids may have an independent protective effect.
Preeti Soni, an integrative oncology dietitian at City of Hope Orange County, shared her insights on the research with The Food Institute.
“Researchers have hypothesized that higher intakes of omega-3s from either foods or supplements might reduce cancer risk due to their anti-inflammatory effects and potential to inhibit cell growth factors,” Soni said. “This study laid a solid foundation for future research into the roles of polyunsaturated fatty acids in cancer prevention.”
Although the study’s results are promising, Dr. Daniel Landau, an oncologist and hematologist for The Mesothelioma Center, recommends interpreting them with caution.
“This is a complex topic, as cancer development is impossible to control with any single variable,” Landau told FI. “In this paper, people with higher omega levels fared better in terms of cancer prevention, often in gastrointestinal cancers. But it’s worth noting that people with higher omegas might already be following healthier diets, which could also play a role in reducing cancer risk.”
Despite the numerous benefits of omega fatty acids, there are also drawbacks – most notably, the association between omega-3s and prostate cancer.
“It is unclear why an inverse relationship may be seen with prostate cancer, but this may have nothing to do with the omegas. People who follow healthier diets and healthier lifestyles are more likely to receive regular medical care and therefore may have more screenings done,” Landau advised.
Tejal Parekh, another registered dietitian and contributor for The Mesothelioma Center, says that getting these nutrients from whole food sources rather than supplements may be the best option.
“For men at risk of prostate cancer, it might be wise to consume food sources of omega-3 fats but perhaps avoid supplements until further research is conducted,” Parekh told FI.
Dietary Applications
While both omega fatty acids are important, the average American diet provides an “overabundance of omega-6,” according to Parekh, who stressed that establishing the right ratio between the two is crucial.
For those looking to consume more omega-3s, Parekh recommends:
- Cold-water fatty fish (salmon, tuna, sardines, etc.)
- Nuts and seeds (flaxseed, chia seeds, walnuts, etc.)
- Plant oils (flaxseed, soybean, canola, etc.)
- Fortified foods (certain brands of eggs, yogurt, milk, soy beverages, etc.)
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