Omega-3 Fatty Acids May Reduce Risk of Breast Cancer

omega-3

Is it just me or does it seem like everyone you know has jumped on the Omega-3 bandwagon? If you have noticed this trend then you are in good company, my friend. Omega-3 fatty acids are recommended by doctors all of the time, for just about everything. That’s largely due to the powerful anti-inflammatory effects Omega-3s provide. 

There’s research to support its potent effects in reducing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, brain disorders, and arthritis. Now, researchers have found the Omega-3 can be a powerful fighter against cancer – particularly breast cancer.

Researchers reviewed and analyzed the results of 26 studies which included a total of 800,000 participants and 20,000 cases of breast cancer. In looking at the link between breast cancer and diet, scientists found that the participants who consumed the most Omega-3 had a 14% lower risk of developing breast cancer than those with the lowest Omega-3 consumption.

In fact, researchers discovered that for every 100 mg of Omega-3 that you add to your daily diet, your breast cancer risk falls by 5%. I don’t know about you but those are numbers I can get behind.

Interestingly, Omega-3 is found in both seafood and plants. Researchers did not find a link between plant-based Omega-3s and lower cancer risk. While plant-based Omega-3s are beneficial they are not the cancer-fighting powerhouse that their marine-based cousin is.

Past studies have also linked the effect of Omega-3 in comparison to consumption of other dietary fats like Omega-6. There are 10 times as much Omega-6 fatty acids in the Western Diet as Omega-3 but while Omega-3s are anti-inflammatory, Omega-6 acids work the opposite way and can lead to inflammation. To simplify, the more your diet leans to Omega-6 the less effective the beneficial properties of Omega-3s.

Scientists have also found that the pesticides and pollution in many bodies of water that we get our fish from may reduce the effectiveness of the Omega-3 fatty acids as well. With this in mind, along with the fact that most Americans (pizza anyone?) don’t get enough Omega-3s and too much Omega-6, dietary supplements might be the best way to go if you want to up your Omega-3 intake.

Rag-Tag Research Geek Recommendation

Krill Oil has been found to be one of the best sources of Omega-3 fatty acids. Its phospholipid structure makes it easier for the body to absorb, while holding as much as 50 times the antioxidant power than fish oils. We recommend the anti-inflammatory powerhouse Black Label Krill Oil™ which contains 300mg of Omega-3.

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