Omega-6 Fats Promote Prostate Cancer Growth

[Guest guest]

Omega-6 Fats Promote Prostate Cancer Growth The omega-6 fats contained in corn oil and other products may promote the growth of prostate cancer, according to a new study. Omega-6 Spurs Cancer-Causing EnzymesWorking with human prostate cancer cells in tissue cultures, researchers found omega-6 fatty acids, added to the mix, spur the production of cPLA2, which then causes the production of the enzyme COX2. The introduction of COX2 stimulates the release of PGE2, a hormone-like molecule that promotes cell growth.Simply put, if you're eating a diet that's high in omega-6 fats, you could be vulnerable not only to prostate cancer, but colorectal and some breast cancers as well. Prostate Cancer Grows Along With Omega-6 ConsumptionThe incidence of prostate cancer over the past 60 years has risen as dietary ratios of omega-3 and 6 fats have changed. Back at the end of World War II, omega-3 and omega-6 ratios were lopsided (1:2) in favor of omega-3s. Now, that ratio is 25:1 on the omega-6 side. The scientists who conducted the study were looking at possible new drugs to ward off prostate cancer based on the effect of flurbiprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug commonly prescribed for arthritis. Flurbiprofen blocks the production of cPLA2 and breaks the chain leading to cell growth.Carcinogenesis May 5, 2005Medical News Today August 2, 2005Dr. Mercola's Comment:These results come as no surprise to anyone who has looked at the dangers of over-consuming omega-6 fats. Vegetable oils such as corn, canola, soybean and sunflower oils are largely composed of omega-6 oils. The problem significantly worsens when these oils are heated. Damage done by frying starts at about 320 degrees Fahrenheit and goes up exponentially as the temperature rises. The nature of chemical reactions is that for every 10-degree rise in temperature, the rate of chemical reactions (with oxygen, light and metals) at least doubles, and may even triple or quadruple.Most people believe that frying creates trans fats. That is not the major problem; although some are created, they are relatively minor. There are FAR more toxic chemicals produced by frying than trans fats.Frying destroys the antioxidants in oils and as such oxidizes the oils and causes cross-linking, cyclization, double-bond shifts, fragmentation and polymerization of oils that cause far more damage than trans fats.They are not safe foods or health foods, whatever you may have heard. Excessive consumption of these vegetable oils can lead to:Asthma Blindness Heart disease CancerAnd it is difficult to avoid excessive intake if you eat processed foods, since these oils are present in nearly all of them. At the turn of the century, when heart attacks were rare, the average American consumed only one pound of vegetable oil per year. Today, the amount can exceed 75 pounds.This seriously distorts the critical omega-6: 3 ratio in your diet. As the article stated, it has changed from 1:2 to 25:1.Unfortunately, the scientists who conducted the study managed to collect all the right information, and then come to exactly the wrong conclusion. After determining that omega-6 fats can cause health problems, did they come to the obvious conclusion that people should reduce their omega-6 fat intake? No. Instead, they recommended introducing yet another new drug with unknown side effects to stave off the effects of a perfectly preventable problem. Typical.If you really want to protect your prostate, try taking these following sensible steps:Avoid highly processed foods, which frequently contain heated vegetable oils and other dangerous ingredients.If you must cook with oil, use coconut oil. Despite the bad reputation of saturated fats, they are actually better for cooking because they are far less damaged by the heating process.Optimize your vitamin D levels, and get plenty of sunlight. Deficiencies in your Vitamin D levels can increase your risk of prostate cancer, breast cancer and autoimmune disease.Eat your vegetables raw or juice them. This prevents the valuable, delicate and health-protecting micronutrients in vegetables from being destroyed.I also recommend reviewing the advice of prostate cancer expert Dr. Larry Clapp.Related Articles:http://www.mercola.com/2005/aug/18/omega-6_fats_promote_prostate_cancer_growth.htm The Surprising Toxic Effects of Vegetable OilsOmega-3 Fats Prevent Breast CancerFlax Seed Oil Actually Increases Prostate Cancer While Fish Oil Decreases It