Omega-3 Fatty Acids Prevent Spread of Prostate Cancer - Fish Oil Better Than Vegetable Sources - Omega-6 Used as Energy By Cancer Cells and Tumors

March 22nd 2006

Fish Better Source for Omega

Scientists from the Paterson Institute at the Christie Hospital in Manchester, England, believe that consumption of omega-3 fatty acids could block the spread of prostate cancer. It has been known for some time that both omega-3 and omega-6 oils have promoted good health.

Since the body can not make these fats, it is important to eat foods rich in them. These foods include fish and fish oil, canola and flaxseed oils, and most raw nuts. Nutritionists say it is important to keep a balance of the two fats / oils. Some nutritionists believe that adults do better with fish oil rather than plant oils, but there are some benefits to the plant oils (nuts) as well.

Dr. Mick Brown said “Omega-6 fats, found in vegetable oils, nuts and seeds, increased the spread of tumor cells into bone marrow. This invasion was blocked by omega 3 fats -- the ones found in oily fish.” Brown is the chief scientist in the research.

It is believed that the omega-3 acids interfere with functions of omega-6. They believe that the cancer cells use omega-6 acids for energy and this interference by the omega-3 acids will prevent the spread of the cancer past the prostate gland.

Brown says that diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids might help to inhibit the spread of prostate cancer in men that already have the disease. He also said a healthy balance of the two fatty acids is best. “It is possible to have a healthy balance of these two types of fat — we only need about half as much omega-3 as omega-6 — that will still stop cancer cells from spreading.”

Many prostate cancers are slow growing, and easily treated if caught early. According to Noel Clarke, co-author of the study, “Some tumors develop slowly in the prostate without producing symptoms and sometimes when symptoms do develop, it is because the cancer has already spread. Eating a diet with the right balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fats may well help to keep prostate cancer within the prostate gland where it may be monitored safely or more easily treated with surgery or radiotherapy.”

There have been other studies recently reported by Best Syndication that indicate diet may help prevent or help treat prostate cancer. Research concerning the benefits of both turmeric and habanera chili peppers have been reported.