Can Omega-3 Help With Prostate Cancer

Overview

aladdin costume

There are conflicting reports on the ability of Omega-3 to help in the combat of prostate cancer. Omega-3 can help prevent cancers, such as breast cancer, where studies show a reduction of 50% can be realized. But there are reports out there that say Omega-3 helps prevent and slow the growth of prostate cancer. Other reports say that Omega-3 can increase the occurrence and growth rate of men's prostate cancer.

Ala

So what is the real truth? To understand the differences, you must understand the fatty acids in Omega-3 first.

Omega-3

Omega-3 is considered an Essential Fatty Acid (EFA). This consideration comes from the fact that EFAs cannot be manufactured by the body, but must be consumed in your diet or taken as a supplement.

There are three EFAs, DHA (docosahexanoic acid), EPA (eicosapentaenoic) and ALA (a-linolenic acid). DHA and EPA can be obtained from cold-water fish such as salmon, tuna, trout, sardines, mackerel and anchovies. When DHA and EPA are consumed in the body, they are immediately available for use by the body.

ALA on the other hand, is obtained from plant matter such as flax seed, flax oil, walnuts, pumpkin seed, and dark green vegetables. Unlike DHA and EPA, ALA cannot be immediately used by the body. In order to be used effectively, it must be converted to DHA and EPA first.

The effectiveness of the conversion rate varies from 1% to 25%. The rate of conversion also varies between men and women, with women being able to have a higher conversion rate.

The Studies

The study on the benefits of DHA and EPA in the help and prevention of prostate cancers shows that they are beneficial in helping with the prevention of prostate cancer. The study showed an 11% reduction in the incidence of prostate cancer.

Another study on the effects of ALA showed that it might actually speed the progress of prostate cancer. Nine separate studies showed an increase in the development of prostate cancer. Once developed, the studies showed that the disease progresses more rapidly. The studies also suggested that there is no evidence that other cancers had increased growth rates.

Conclusion

The EFAs, DHA and EPA, have been shown to help prevent cancers and also aide in slowing their growth. Studies done on men who took flax seed and flax seed oil, which contained the EFA, ALA, showed increase risk of prostate cancer and the disease once developed, progressed at a more rapid rate.

Can Omega-3 Help With Prostate Cancer

Ala