Researchers from the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm examined the dietary habits of nearly 1,500 men with prostate cancer and more than 1,100 men without the disease. They found that men who ate fatty fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, at least once a week reduced their risk of prostate cancer by 43 percent, whereas men who did not eat fish of any kind experienced no risk reduction.
The researchers -- led by Maria Hedelin -- also believe that a certain gene may play an important role in the development of prostate cancer, as well as how fish oils benefit the body. A specific Cox-2 gene that is present in 60 percent of the population can influence the effectiveness of omega-3 fatty acid consumption, the researchers reported.
Men who carry the gene have a 72 percent reduced risk of prostate cancer compared to those who do not carry it, but eating fish high in omega-3 fatty acids can still benefit men who do not carry the gene, according to the researchers.
"Frequent consumption of fatty fish and marine fatty acids appears to reduce the risk of prostate cancer, and this association is modified by genetic variation in the Cox-2 gene," Hedelin said. "This study shows that there is an interaction between dietary factors and our genes, but it's always hard to say what role the genes play. Omega-3 fatty acids can still be good for men who don't carry this gene variant in completely different ways."
According to natural health advocate Mike Adams, author of "How to Prevent and Reverse Prostate Cancer," the omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish and fish oils are "truly miraculous anticancer medicines" that can act as anti-inflammatories, help prevent cardiovascular disease and lower the risk of developing many types of cancer.
"Omega-3 fatty acids not only reduce the risk of prostate cancer, they also dramatically lower the risks of breast cancer, heart disease, depression and mood disorders, along with other common health problems," Adams said.
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