A new study has shown that a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids slows the growth and spread of breast cancer cells in female mice, and improves the survival of rodents.
There are a huge number of studies showing the benefits of a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These healthy fats are found in fish, seafood, nuts and seeds, and fish oil, vegetable oils and some fortified products.
Foods with omega-3
Which contains omega-3
For example, an extensive study involving nearly half a million people, which lasted about 16 years, found that eating greater amounts of fish and long chain omega-3 reduces the risk of mortality and can prolong life. It is also known that omega-3 improves cardiovascular and cognitive function, has the potential to prevent depression and has a positive effect on mental health.
The new study investigated the Association between omega-3 and cancer. The results showed that rich in marine omega-3 fatty acids diets are associated with a reduced risk of developing breast cancer. Molecular studies have revealed that omega-3 can stop cancer by activating a natural pain-relieving mechanisms of the body. Experiments on mice have confirmed evidence that omega-3 may have anti-cancer properties.
A new study led by Sarasvati Hajj, a former doctoral student in the laboratory of James Tallmadge,a Professor of pathology and Microbiology at the Medical center of the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Fish oil can reduce the swelling and inhibiting metastasis
The Hajj and his team fed two groups of adult female rodents almost the same food. However, the main difference is that one group followed a diet rich in omega-6 polyunsaturated fats from olive oil, whereas the other group received a food containing rich omega-3 fish oil. Then the researchers injected mice with breast cancer cells 4T1, which cause the rapid spread of tumors in the Breasts. In addition, 4T1 cells can spontaneously migrate to other areas, such as the bones, lungs and liver.
After 35 days, the researchers sedated and dissected mice to study the effect of both diets. In rodents that received fish oil, breast cancer cells were much less likely to spread in the breast. Tumors that develop in the Breasts, also grew much more slowly, which affects their size.
In particular, breast tumors in the group of omega-3 was 50 percent less than in the group of omega-6. Cancer cells less likely to spread to other parts of the body in the group of omega-3, and the rodents also had the best survival rates.
Omega-3 strengthen immune system
Professor Talmadge commented on the results:
Study Hajj gave a glimpse not only about the impact of a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, on tumor growth and metastases, but also on the location of metastases. Thus was acrastone only the total number of metastases and secondary tumor growth in the ovaries, kidneys, and contralateral breast.
Interestingly, in the tissues of mice from the group of omega-3 were identified more T-cells than in the tissues of mice from the group of omega-6. T cells – anti-inflammatory white blood cells that play a crucial role in maintaining a strong and healthy immune system.
The lead researcher puts forward the hypothesis that a diet rich in fish oil, can prevent the spread of tumors by curbing the inflammation at the basis of metastasis.
In our study highlights the potential therapeutic role of dietary long-chain omega-3 fatty acids in suppression of tumor growth and metastasis. However, this does not mean that diet can prevent the formation of breast cancer.