According to a recent study conducted at the University of Guelph, Canada, Omega-3s from fish pack a stronger punch than flaxseed and other oils when it comes to cancer prevention.
There are three types of omega-3 fatty acids: a-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). ALA is plant-based and found in such edible seeds as flaxseed and in oils, such as soy, canola and hemp oil. EPA and DHA are found in marine life, such as fish, algae and phytoplankton.
During their study, researchers found out that the overall exposure to marine-based omega-3s reduced the size of the tumors by 60 to 70 percent and the number of tumors by 30 percent. Omega-3s prevent and fight cancer by turning on genes associated with the immune system and blocking tumor growth pathways.
Research also reveals that besides certain foods containing EPA and DHA, supplements and functional foods, such as omega-3 eggs or DHA milk, can offer similar cancer prevention effects.