Long-chained omega 3 fats like those in oily fish are firmly established as pivotal agents for brain health and regulating inflammation. Now, an eye-popping new lab study is revealing that these precious fats appear to be a powerful weapon for killing cancer cells as well. To make this determination, scientists conducted two studies. In the first, scientists added DHA, one of the two biologically active forms of omega 3 fats, directly to cancer cells within test tubes. To their astonishment, the cancer cells literally exploded. The study authors noted that the fish oil “overwhelms” the cancer cells via oxidation resulting in cell death.

In the second experiment, lab mice with cancerous tumors fed a DHA-enriched chow displayed significantly less tumor growth than cancerous mice fed a conventional chow.  These results are encouraging and give us even more reason to be proactive in ensuring that we obtain these vital, essential fats. Currently, less than one in five people are consuming adequate amounts of the long-chained omega 3 fats. Where do you stand?

2)Cell Metabolism, 2021; DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2021.05.016