Omega-3 and Omega-6 may be your protective shield against cancer

Dietary supplements have been shown to provide several health benefits. From multivitamins to fish oil, people consume several types of dietary supplements. New research suggests that along with the health benefits,

fish oil supplements

also provide a protective shield against cancer.
Recent research from the University of Georgia studied the potential cancer-fighting benefits of fish oil supplements, specifically

omega-3

and

omega-6

fatty acids. Omega-3 and

Omega-6 fatty acids

, which are known to be beneficial for heart health, brain function, and mental wellness, may also play a key role in reducing the risk of various types of cancers.

The researchers analyzed the medical data of more than 250,000 people, and learned that the higher levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are linked to lower rates of 19 different types of cancers, including colon, lung, and even some brain cancers.

Kaixiong ‘Calvin’ Ye, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Genetics in the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Georgia and the corresponding author of this study told Medical News Today, that as they have access to a longitudinal cohort of over 500,000 participants, via the UK Biobank study, and followed the participants for about 13 years, they were able to study the benefits of the Omega-3 and Omega-4 fatty acids in lowering cancer risk. According to him, in about 250,000 participants, who consumed omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids were less likely to die because of cancer.

According to the study, participants with high levels of omega-3 in their blood showed lower rates of developing digestive system cancers including colon and stomach cancers, as well as lung cancer. In individuals who had higher levels of omega-6, there was a decreased risk of developing 14 out of 19 cancers, including brain, thyroid, kidney, bladder, lung, pancreatic, and colon cancers.
Fish oil supplements have several health benefits. Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are known as the ‘healthy fats’. These essential fats are beneficial for heart and brain health as well as metabolism.

Omega-3 fatty acids

are found in oily fishes such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, anchovies, chia seeds, walnuts, flaxseeds, and in algal oils. Omega-6 fats are found in vegetable oils, nuts and seeds. Soybean oil, corn oil, mayonnaise, walnuts, sunflower seeds, almonds, cashew nuts, olive oil, peanut oil are rich in Omega-3.
(Pic courtesy: iStock)