Dr. Neil Levin
Chiropractor practicing in East Northport, NY
(631) 651-2929
OMEGA-3’s MAY THWART PROSTATE CANCER
Dr Neil Levin DC, CFT.
A recent study published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation, June 21, 2007 (advanced online edition), indicates that omega-3 fatty acids may be more helpful in reducing prostate cancer risk than omega-6 fatty acids.
In our bodies, omega 3 and 6 fats should be in balance, with a ratio of about 4:1 omega 6 to omega 3. Yet the typical western diet is closer to a 20:1 ratio. This is a huge imbalance.
This is because omega-6 fats are abundant. They are found in meat, vegetable oils such as corn, sunflower, safflower, soy and cottonseed oil, breads, muffins, pastas, processed foods and junk foods. Sources of omega-3 fatty acids include fatty fish, walnuts, flaxseeds, and to a lesser extent green leafy vegetables. Obviously we consume much more food from the omega 6 category than we do from the omega 3; hence the huge imbalance.
Chen’s study suggested that omega-3’s may be beneficial in protecting mice that lacked a particular tumor-suppressing gene, against some prostate cancers.
Interestingly, on mice with normal cancer suppressing genes, the balance of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids did not seem to matter.
According to the researchers, these findings suggest that genes and diet interact to influence prostate cancer risk (important).
Personally, I’m not willing to gamble that I have or do not have the best genes. I take omega-3’s every day (4-6 caps of OmegaBerry) to ensure that my genes and the omega 3’s in my diet are working together to promote healthy cell division, protecting me from cellular mutation.
Omega-3’s also promote heart and cardiovascular health, brain health, joint health, strong bones, promote a more controlled inflammatory response in our bodies and protect our vision. In fact, DHA (one of the 2 important omega-3 fatty acids) is most highly concentrated in the brain, the CNS the retina of the eye.
Dr. Neil Levin
Chiropractor practicing in East Northport, NY
(631) 651-2929