Omega-3 Shows Protective Effect Against Skin Cancer

The anti-inflammatory effect of fish and fish oil supplements have long been used to bring down high blood pressure and keep heart disease at bay. The secret ingredient is their omega-3 fatty acids. A new study shows that omega-3 may be good for your skin, too. Most skin cancer is the result of exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun, which suppresses the skin's immune system making people less able to fight off skin diseases such as cancer. But researchers in England have shown that a daily dose of omega-3 can partially counteract this effect, reducing an individual's likelihood of developing skin cancer. The fatty acids have been shown to prevent cancer in mice, but this was the first time it was demonstrated in humans. The researchers recruited volunteers with a nickel allergy, whose skin produced a red rash on contact with the metal. Over the course of twelve weeks, ...