Omega-3 fatty acids are plural unsaturated fatty acids that have an important role in maintaining the body's metabolism. Although not produced by the body, these fatty acids can be found in some types of food, such as fish such as salmon, sardines, eels, and tuna. In addition, omega 3 can also be found in nuts, vegetable oils, and several types of vegetables such as spinach and broccoli.

Based on the role, omega 3 is divided into three groups, EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid), DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid), and ALA (Alpha-linolenic acid). In general, all three play a role in maintaining heart, brain, and body metabolism. However, omega-3 is also often associated with prostate cancer risk. This began with the results of several studies that showed that high omega-3 intake was associated with the development of prostate cancer.

To find out the link between the two, a study was conducted by the Intermountain Healthcare Heart Institute. In their study, the researchers found that omega-3 can reduce the risk of death due to heart disease without increasing the risk of prostate cancer. And in accordance with its function in maintaining heart health, high omega-3 intake is associated with a lower risk of heart-related diseases such as heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, and even death.

The results were obtained after the researchers observed more than a thousand participants. Each participant was asked to consume omega-3, specifically EPA and DHA. After that, the researchers conducted an analysis to see the link between the three through the health history of each participant.

Text by Anggie Triana
Stock photos from Adobe Stock Images

Source(s):

• Intermountain Healthcare - Omega-3 Continues to Show Protection Against Heart Disease-Related Death, Without Prostate Cancer Risk, 26 November 2019.
• Healthline - Study finds Omega-3s May Help Your Heart, Doesn't Increase Prostate Cancer Risk (2019). https://www.healthline.com/health-news/omega-3s-may-help-your-health, November 26, 2019.