|
Medical doctors at the University Hospital in Tours have
discovered that breast cancer victims who have a high content
of alpha- linolenic acid (9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid) in
their breast tissue are less likely to develop metastases
(cancer in distant organs such as the stomach, intestines,
etc.). The study involved 121 women who had been diagnosed
with localized breast cancer. The researchers analyzed samples
of adipose (fatty) tissue taken close to the tumor at the
time of surgery. They found that the cancer was more likely
to have spread to the lymph nodes in the armpits in women
with a low level of alpha-linolenic acid in their tissue.
They found no relationship between alpha-linolenic acid content
and tumor size. After an average follow up of 31 months, 21
of the women developed metastases. The researchers discovered
that women who had a high adipose tissue content of alpha-linolenic
acid at the time of surgery were five times less likely to
have developed metastases than did women with a low content
(less than 0.38 per cent). Original tumor size was also an
important factor in predicting risk of metastasis which is
the main cause of death among breast cancer patients. Women
who had a tumor with a diameter greater than 5 cm had a 4.7
times greater risk of developing metastases than did women
with smaller tumors.
The researchers conclude that dietary supplementation with
alpha-linolenic acid might delay or prevent the development
of metastases in breast cancer patients. They also point out
that previous research has shown that a high intake of dietary
fat originating from fish helps prevent breast cancer in the
first place and also improves survival among breast cancer
patients.
NOTE: Flax oil, pumpkin oil and purslane are good sources
of alpha-linolenic acid.
Source: Bougnoux, P., et al. Alpha-linolenic acid content
of adipose breast tissue: a host determinant of the risk of
early metastasis in breast cancer.
New benefits for this wonder food, flax oil, seem to surface
every month. Here is one study that illustrates health benefits
specific to the type of Omega-3 fat found in flax (alpha-linolenic
acid). Fish oil and algae products contain a different type
of Omega-3 which does not appear to provide the same protection
against cancer. This is yet another reason to consume flax
seed oil every day.
Source: British Journal of Cancer, Vol. 70, No. 2, August
1994, pp. 330-34.
|
Featured
Articles