Omega-3s and Breast Cancer

I wrote about the benefits of omega-3 fats for heart disease last month, and now there is more good news about these healthy fats, and another reason every woman should be eating foods rich in omega-3s.  A recently published study found that a lifelong diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids could inhibit the growth of breast cancer tumors by 30 percent.

It’s long been speculated that diet can play a role in the prevention of breast cancer, but the studies thus far have been inconsistent and unable to back up the claim.  It’s important to note that this particular study was done in mice, not humans, but the results were compelling (omega-3 mice developed only two-thirds as many tumors, and the tumors were 30-percent smaller), and researchers say this is the first study to provide unequivocal evidence that omega-3s reduce cancer risk.

What should you do?  Definitely include more omega-3 rich foods in your diet.  The best sources of these fats are fatty fish like salmon, sardines, and mackerel.  Plant foods like flax seeds, walnuts and some vegetables like Brussels sprouts, spinach and kale are also high in omega-3s.  Check this shopping list for more foods.  If you don’t eat a few of these foods each week, consider taking an omega-3 supplement.

Eat well!