American researchers have observed that high levels of omega-3 and omega-6 could reduce the risks of several cancers.
- Omega-3 and omega-6 are fatty acids found in certain foods, such as fatty fish, vegetable oils or nuts.
- High levels of these fatty acids may lower the risk of certain cancers, according to a new study.
- Omega-6 would have beneficial effects in young populations, particularly women.
Present in fatty fish, nuts or certain vegetable oils, omega-3 and omega-6 are essential for the proper functioning of the body. These fatty acids also act on the cardiovascular sphere. Omega-3 helps reduce blood pressure in patients with high blood pressure while omega-6 helps lower the level of “bad cholesterol” (LDL cholesterol).
The beneficial effects of omega-3 and omega-6 against certain cancers
In addition to their benefits for cardiovascular health, omega-3 and omega-6 have protective effects against several types of cancer, according to a study conducted by the University of Georgia (United States).
As part of this work, published in the International Journal of Cancer, The researchers examined data from more than 250,000 people living in the United Kingdom and followed for more than ten years. Nearly 30,000 of the volunteers developed some form of cancer during the study period.
High levels of omega-3 reduce the risk of colon and stomach cancer
According to the findings, participants with higher levels of omega-3 had lower rates of colon, stomach, lung and digestive tract cancer. A good intake of omega-6 also reduced the risk of 14 cancers, including brain cancer, malignant melanoma or bladder cancer. “Higher levels of omega-3 and omega-6 have been associated with lower rates of cancer (…) These results suggest that the average individual should incorporate more of these fatty acids into their diet”pointed out Yuchen Zhang, lead author of the study and doctoral student at the College of Public Health at the University of Georgia.
During the study, the research team also found that omega-6 had a greater beneficial effect in younger participants, particularly women.
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