In the second latest breast cancer discovery, research has uncovered a certain type of Omega 3 fatty acid having an increased ability to fight breast cancer. Scientists at the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada have now revealed that omega 3 fatty acids derived from fish oil may be around 8 times more powerful to halt and prevent the development of aggressive tumors in comparison to omega 3’s from plant sources. This could also explain why the Mediterranean diet has been found to help prevent and decrease the risk of breast cancer.
The study done by Professor David Ma working in the health and Nutritional sciences department of Guelph University was published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry.
Image Source: www.newhope.com
According to statistics, around 40,920 women are expected to die of breast cancer in 2018. The most aggressive form of breast cancer is HER2-positive breast cancer where the tumors are known to contain an increased level of HER2 or human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 protein that spreads and helps cancer cells to grow.
While earlier research found that omega-3 fatty acids can retard the spread of breast cancer development, Professor Ma tried finding out which omega-3 was the most powerful.
Image Source: www.medicaldaily.com
Fish oil has two types of omega 3-fatty acids: eicosapentaenoic acid or (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The plant-based omega 3’s are ALA or a-linolenic acid found in soy, canola oil and flaxseed. In the study Professor MA used all three on mice afflicted with breast cancer tumors of the HER2 type.
The team found that mice that were exposed to the fish oil derivative (EPA and DHA) experienced almost 70% reduction in the size of the tumors and 30% decreases in breast tumors. The plant based derivative did not have the same effect.
This also means that making healthy choices where your diet is concerned goes a long way in preventing cancer. Consume more fatty fish like salmon to get the best of omega 3 fatty acids and lean protein. Fish oil is also a rich source of vitamins A and D.
Image Source: www.scienceguysupplements.com