Life-Saving Fats Shield Against Cancer—Here’s How
The word “cancer” alone can stir up fear and worry, especially as we watch friends or family face its challenges.
It’s one of the most brutal battles our bodies can go through. And prevention has never been more essential.
While there are no guarantees, we have more tools than ever to reduce our risks.
And now, certain foods—that have already been proven beneficial for your heart and brain—could also be one of those cancer-fighting tools…
You’ve likely heard about omega-3s and omega-6s before. These “essential” fats must come from our diet because our bodies can’t make them on their own.
But not all fats are created equal. It turns out omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids pack powerful health benefits beyond what we see on the surface.
Now, new research suggests that these same “good fats” that keep our hearts and brains healthy may also help prevent cancer.
In this study, participants with high omega-3 levels had a marked decrease in cancers, particularly in the digestive tract.
Meanwhile, higher levels of omega-6s helped ward off an even broader range of cancers.
Researchers suggest these healthy fats may help regulate inflammation and promote balanced cell growth—both critical in the body’s defense against cancer.
It’s not all simple, though. The study also found that high omega-3 levels may be linked to a slightly increased risk of prostate cancer in men.
So, when adding more omega-3s and omega-6s to your diet, don’t overdo it. Remember, balance is essential.
A varied diet rich in both omega-3s and omega-6s gives you the best protection without tipping the scales too far in one direction.
Following are a few simple ways to add omega-rich foods to your diet:
- Omega-3 Sources: Salmon, sardines, chia seeds, flaxseeds, and walnuts
- Omega-6 Sources: Sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame oil, and walnuts
If you find getting enough omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids solely from food is difficult, supplements can help fill the gap. Here are a few to consider for an added layer of protection:
- Fish Oil (Omega-3): High-quality fish oil supplements provide concentrated omega-3s. Look for brands that list EPA and DHA ratios to ensure a balanced product. Fish has natural anti-inflammatory properties that could help reduce your cancer risks.
- Flaxseed Oil (Omega-3): Flaxseed oil offers a reliable omega-3 source for those on plant-based diets. One daily tablespoon can help you meet your needs and support your immune system.
- Borage or Evening Primrose Oil (Omega-6): These oils provide gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a beneficial omega-6 that helps control inflammation and enhance skin and joint health. Adding these oils to your regimen can help balance your omega-3 and omega-6 intake.
- Curcumin: Curcumin isn’t an omega fat, but this powerful anti-inflammatory from turmeric works hand-in-hand with omega-3s and omega-6s, amplifying their protective effects.
Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids aren’t just good for your heart and brain—they could also be your best allies in the fight against cancer.
Including more healthy fats in your diet can bolster your body’s defenses and support a balanced inflammatory response, which is vital to reducing cancer risk.
P.S. Smoking gun colon cancer trigger REVEALED.
Source:
Zhang, Y., Sun, Y., Song, S., Khankari, N. K., Brenna, J. T., Shen, Y., & Ye, K. Associations of plasma omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids with overall and 19 site-specific cancers: A population-based cohort study in UK Biobank. International Journal of Cancer.