New research finds Omega-3 fatty acids from fish packs stronger than flax seeds and other oils in cancer prevention efforts. Omega-3s are ocean-based eight times more effective for inhibiting progression, and tumor growth than vegetable sources, says the study published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry.
"This study is the first to compare the potential for fighting cancer from Omega-3 from plants versus the sea in the development of breast tumors," said David Ma, Professor at the University of Guelph in Ontario, quoted by The Indian Express website Monday (29 / 1).
"There is evidence that Omega-3s from plants and marine resources are very protective against cancer and we want to determine which forms are more effective," Ma continued.
There are three types of Omega-3 fatty acids: linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). ALA is plant-based and is found in edible seeds such as flaxseeds and oils, such as soybeans, canola and hemp oil.
EPA and DHA are found in marine life, such as fish, algae and phytoplankton. The study involved the provision of various types of Omega-3 in mice with a very aggressive form of human breast cancer called HER-2. Ma exposed the mice to plant-based or marine-based omega-3s.
"Mice are exposed to different omega-3s even before the tumor develops, allowing us to compare how effective the fatty acids are in prevention," says Ma.
Overall exposure to omega-3 marine-based reduces tumor size by 60 to 70 percent, and the number of tumors by 30 percent. However, higher doses of vegetable fatty acids are required to have the same impact as marine-based omega-3s, the study said.
Omega-3s prevent, and fight cancer by turning on genes associated with the immune system and blocking the tumor growth path, Ma said. Based on the dose given in the study, humans should consume two to three servings of fish a week to have the same effect, he said.
"This study is the first to compare the potential for fighting cancer from Omega-3 from plants versus the sea in the development of breast tumors," said David Ma, Professor at the University of Guelph in Ontario, quoted by The Indian Express website Monday (29 / 1).
"There is evidence that Omega-3s from plants and marine resources are very protective against cancer and we want to determine which forms are more effective," Ma continued.
There are three types of Omega-3 fatty acids: linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). ALA is plant-based and is found in edible seeds such as flaxseeds and oils, such as soybeans, canola and hemp oil.
EPA and DHA are found in marine life, such as fish, algae and phytoplankton. The study involved the provision of various types of Omega-3 in mice with a very aggressive form of human breast cancer called HER-2. Ma exposed the mice to plant-based or marine-based omega-3s.
"Mice are exposed to different omega-3s even before the tumor develops, allowing us to compare how effective the fatty acids are in prevention," says Ma.
Overall exposure to omega-3 marine-based reduces tumor size by 60 to 70 percent, and the number of tumors by 30 percent. However, higher doses of vegetable fatty acids are required to have the same impact as marine-based omega-3s, the study said.
Omega-3s prevent, and fight cancer by turning on genes associated with the immune system and blocking the tumor growth path, Ma said. Based on the dose given in the study, humans should consume two to three servings of fish a week to have the same effect, he said.
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