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April 19, 2010
The Anti-Cancer Benefits of Fish Oil (Omega-3 Fatty Acids)
by Denene Brox
The benefits of fish oil have been widely publicized for many years. Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids which have been shown to reduce prostate cancer growth and also have help prevent breast and colon cancer. Whether you eat oily fish like salmon on a regular basis or take a fish oil supplement, you may be lowering your risk of cancer, in addition to other health benefits such as lower blood pressure. New research suggests are stronger link between fish oil and cancer prevention and/or recovery.
Here's the science: Fish oil protects the parts of our chromosomes called telomeres which "are caps of genetic material on the ends of our chromosomes. They are a marker of cell youth: the longer the telomere, the healthier the cell. Every time one of our cells divides, a small portion of that telomere is lost. Eventually, telomere shrinkage leads to cell aging and death," the Sacramento Bee reports. Studies show that shorter telomeres increase a person's risk of cancer. Fish oil has been shown to help with telomere length. The Journal of the American Medical Association reports that in a study conducted on 600 adults who took a fish oil, their telomere levels were more stable over the span of five years.
This research shows another reason that adding fish oil to your diet is a good idea for overall healthy living. Getting fish oil directly from food is always a preference. Great sources of fish oil include salmon, mackeral, flounder, and albacore tuna. If you don't like fish, be sure to take a fish oil supplement on a regular basis.
Sources: Wikipedia & The Sacremento Bee
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