High levels of omega-3, omega-6 may protect against cancer

Medical Xpress / University of Georgia / International Journal of Cancer ^ | Nov. 4, 2024 | Leigh Hataway / Yuchen Zhang et al

[ConservativeMind]

In addition to lowering your cholesterol, keeping your brain healthy and improving mental health, new research from the University of Georgia suggests omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids may help ward off a variety of cancers.

The study relied on 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 cancer.

Participants with higher levels of omega-3s had lower rates of colon, stomach and lung cancer, in addition to lower rates of other digestive tract cancers.

High omega-6 levels led to lower rates of 14 different cancers, including brain, malignant melanoma, bladder and more.

Healthy fats reduce risk of developing 19 types of cancer

The study relied on data from a United Kingdom-based study of more than 250,000 people who were followed for more than a decade. Of those participants, almost 30,000 developed some form of cancer during the study period.

Known as "healthy fats," omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are essential for human health. They're present in fatty fish, nuts and even some plant oils such as canola oil.

But most Americans probably aren't eating enough of these foods to reach the recommended amounts.

Previous studies suggest omega-3 supplements can reduce the risk of developing high cholesterol and lower the risk of heart disease.

But the decision to take the popular fish oil pills isn't one-size-fits-all.

In the present study, for example, the researchers found that high omega-3 levels could be associated with a slightly higher risk of prostate cancer.

"For women, it's an easy decision: Eat more omega-3," said Kaixiong Ye.

The researchers also saw a stronger beneficial effect of omega-6 in younger participants, particularly women

[ConservativeMind]

Omega-3 fats include ALA from flaxseed and other plants and EPA and DHA from fish.

Omega-6 fats are high in vegetable oils.

One useful form, called GLA, is more rare, and is mainly found in Evening Primrose oil, Borage oil, and Black Currant oil.

I am surprised they say Omega-6 fats are needed, as Americans get a lot more of these than Omega-3 fats.

[ConservativeMind]

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[married21]

Swordfish on the menu tonight.

[Robert DeLong]

I thought they were finding that vegetable oils are not healthy.

[BobL]

“I thought they were finding that vegetable oils are not healthy.”

Find out who financed the study.

[ProtectOurFreedom]

I take Krill Oil for Omega 3. It causes minimal (or no) fish burps like fish oil.

Krill oil comes from a tiny, shrimp-like marine animal. It's rich in the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

The benefits of krill oil seem to come from its omega-3 fatty acid content. The body doesn't produce many of its own omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids can reduce pain and swelling and also prevent the blood from clotting easily.

Side effects might include stomach upset, decreased appetite, heartburn, fishy burps, bloating, diarrhea, and nausea. (I haven't experienced any of these).

Bleeding disorders: Krill oil can slow blood clotting. It might increase the risk of bleeding in people with bleeding disorders.

Seafood allergy: Some people who are allergic to seafood might also be allergic to krill oil supplements. Avoid using krill oil or use it cautiously if you have a seafood allergy.

I take 1,250 mg per day in the morning before breakfast.

[Cold Heart]

Where did the swordfish come from? If it came from Indonesia it may actually be a bayonetfish.

[logi_cal869]

Alright, I’ll bite. This is one I’ve not sampled.

I’ll get back to you if its viable O3 or not (just ordered).

[ifinnegan]

What’s ALA?

[Pete from Shawnee Mission]

The article says we need both but does not define how much of either that we need each day, or provide a ratio or limits. So for the general reader does not really provide much guidance.

Yes, we need both, but here is an article that indicates we get too much of the Omega 6. (Which is pretty much what you said.)

https://chriskresser.com/how-too-much-omega-6-and-not-enough-omega-3-is-making-us-sick/

Snip....Vegetable oil consumption rose dramatically between the beginning and end of the 20th century, and this had an entirely predictable effect on the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fats in the American diet. Between 1935 and 1939, the ratio of n-6 to n-3 fatty acids was reported to be 8.4:1. From 1935 to 1985, this ratio increased to 10.3:1 (a 23% increase). Other calculations put the ratio as high as 12.4:1 in 1985. Today, estimates of the ratio range from an average of 10:1 to 20:1, with a ratio as high as 25:1 in some individuals.

In fact, Americans now get almost 20% of their calories from a single food source – soybean oil – with almost 9% of all calories from the omega-6 fat linoleic acid (LA) alone! (PDF)

This reveals that our average intake of n-6 fatty acids is between 10 and 25 times higher than evolutionary norms. The consequences of this dramatic shift cannot be overestimated.

...Snip.... Since we get close to 10% of our calories from n-6, our tissue contains about as much n-6 as it possibly could. This creates a very inflammatory environment and goes a long way towards explaining why 4 in 10 people who die in the U.S. each year die of heart disease." More at link.

Soy oil contains phyto estrogens that are messing with the ability to reproduce. Canola oil is a terrible oil that goes rancid quickly and is best used for paint and lubrication. None of the oils in the chart above are found in the Live-Long Mediterranean diet other than sesame. I use butter and olive oil, avocado and sesame, and whatever is in the meat I eat.

[bitt]

p

[Robert DeLong]

If I remember correctly, it was a brother sister team who are doctors, that financed it themselves to find out why Americans are becoming so unhealthy.

[married21]

I have no idea. It is frequently sold for a relatively low price at Sprouts. So, I wouldn’t be surprised if it is not genuine. Swordfish. Is bayonet fish healthy to eat?

[Lake Living]

Coconut oil is supposed to be a good oil as well.

[Cobra64]

I take Krill oil as well.

[freepertoo]

I eat sardines a few times a week. Hate them but force them down. Also consume a lot of olive oil. 69 years old, on no meds. High hereditary cholesterol but low calcium score and triglycerides. Walk a 5k every other day, work out with weights. Diet and exercise the key.

[FamiliarFace]

Thanks for the chart, Pete.

[spankalib]

Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is an essential omega-3 fatty acid that is found in many plants and plant-based foods...

[Cold Heart]

I had no idea bayonet fish existed, it was a reflex thought from “sword”fish. I looked it up and sure enough it existed.

Bayonet fish is a type of swordfish:)

[married21]

LOL!!😂