Fat fish protects against colon cancer and may even inhibit tumor growth

Omega-3 fatty acids reduce the risk of colorectal cancer by as much as 70 percent
Colon cancer is a dangerous disease that affects many women and men in Germany. Regular consumption of slightly fatty fish can significantly reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. Researchers have now discovered that omega-3 fatty acids suppress tumor growth and massively reduce the mortality risk in the presence of colorectal cancer.

Researchers at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston found that omega-3 fatty acids in fish reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. When people regularly consume fatty fish (such as salmon, sardines and mackerel), this type of diet can reduce their risk of death from colon cancer by as much as 70 percent. The physicians published the results of their study in the journal of the BMJ "Good".

Fish is healthy. It contains important omega-3 fatty acids for our body. Researchers have now discovered that these fatty acids can even cause people with colorectal cancer to die less often from their disease. (Image: dulsita / fotolia.com)

Positive effects of omega-3 fatty acids on our health
There are always studies on the positive effects of omega-3 fatty acids on our body. It has already been established that omega-3 fatty acids significantly reduce our risk of acute heart attacks. In addition, the fatty acids are said to improve memory.

At best, consume two servings of fish a week
Fish provides valuable omega-3 fatty acids. These are healthy for our body and can even protect against the effects of some diseases. The results of the new study show that consuming fat once a week or twice is good for our health, especially if it replaces red and processed meat, explains the authors. However, it is crucial that even the consumption of very small amounts make a difference.

Fat fish can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer by 70 percent
A normal serving of oily fish contains about 1.8 grams of omega-3. But 0.3 grams is already enough to kill the risk of colorectal cancer by as much as 41 percent. However, we have to take omega-3 fatty acids regularly over a period of ten years, explain the physicians. So one or two servings per week are enough to significantly improve our health. If people took an additional 0.15 grams of omega-3 after their diagnosis, the risk of dying from colon cancer decreased by as much as 70 percent, the researchers add.

Omega-3 fatty acids significantly improve colon cancer survival
However, the study was only an observational study. For this reason, no firm conclusions can be drawn on a causal link. However, the researchers expect the new study to provide the first evidence that omega-3 fatty acids significantly improve colorectal cancer survival.

New study examines the data of 200,000 subjects
For their new study, the researchers looked at data from nearly 200,000 people from two large cohort studies monitoring diet and cancer prevalence. The regular intake of fatty acids seems to bring a special advantage if sufferers are large and have a body mass index (BMI) below 25, the scientists say. Most subjects consumed fish oil or fish, so it is not known if dietary supplement capsules bring the same benefits.

Fish oils with omega-3 improve blood flow
The study provides interesting and unequivocal evidence that high levels of omega-3 intake are associated with improved survival rates in colorectal cancer when people are already affected by the disease, says the author. Andrew Chan of the Massachusetts General Hospital. Fish oils with omega-3 usually improve blood flow, so it seems paradoxical that fish oils reduce the blood flow of tumors. The protective effect may not just be due to omega-3, because vitamin D can also protect against colon cancer, the experts add.

No evidence of benefits from omega-3 supplements
Although the study does not provide evidence of the benefits of omega-3 supplements, regular consumption of oily fish is clearly good for our health. Especially if we can substitute red and processed meat for meals, the researchers say.