Study: More Fish Oil = More Prostate Cancer

Taking lots of fish oil supplements may increase a man's risk of prostate cancer, according to a new report from Ohio State University. Researchers found that men with high concentration of marine-derived omega-3 fatty acids had a greater than 40% higher risk of coming down with the very "private" form of cancer.

There's quite a bit of evidence showing that omega 3's are good for the heart and brain, but taking them in supplement form, instead of getting them from natural seafood sources, may not be a great idea for most men. Experts say the unique fatty acids may act on the body's cells in much more complex ways than previously thought. In fact, one theory is that they actually increase oxidative stress while decreasing inflammation in a strange, not-yet-understood way.

Learn some mo': Omega-3 Fatty Acids Linked to Higher Risk of Cancer

By the way, many health experts have been talking about the connection between fish oil and prostate cancer for some time now:

Omega 3 Fat DHA Will Boost Your Immune System

More good news for fish oil fans...

The omega 3 fats found in seafood may boost the immune system, according to new research from Michigan State and ECU. Scientists found that consuming fish oil high in the omega 3 component docosahexaenoic acid (aka DHA) appears to increase activity of immune system cells, specially "B" white blood cells.

Most interestingly, the unique way the DHA appears to boost immune response in mice makes researchers think it may be especially valuable for people with weak immune systems. There is still some doubt about whether or not fish oil supplements and other omega 3 supplements are better than, or even as good as, whole fish and shellfish. But most experts agree consuming fish 2-4 times per week is a good idea for optimal health.

According to Dr Raza Shaikh from East Carolina University:

“This work confirms similar findings on fish oil and B cells from our lab, and moves us one step closer to understanding the immune enhancing properties of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid."

We say: Omega 3 fatty acids may help us live longer, get sick less often, avoid heart disease, and possibly even kill tumors?? We say pass the krill oil!

Learn some mo': Fish Oil Could Boost Immune System, Study Suggests

Omega 3 Fats from Fish Might Help You Live Longer

Eating oily fish full of healthy omega-3 fats can help you live longer, according to new research from the Harvard School of Public Health. A study there showed that older people with the highest blood concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids from salmon, herring, tuna, mackerel, and trout lived over 2 years longer than people with lower levels.

The study did not look at fish oil, krill oil, or other omega 3 supplements -- only at normal dietary intake of the healthy fats via seafood. Researchers say higher blood levels of omega-3's reduced overall risk of dying from any cause by up to 27%, and by 35% of dying from cardiovascular/heart disease.

Interestingly, the Harvard study was one of the first to rely on actual blood testing instead of self-reporting of dietary habits. The participants, who averaged around 75 years of age, provide blood samples and allowed the researchers to perform physical exams during the course of the study.

We say: This is very good news... we love smoked kippers, crackers, and beer!

Learn some mo': Omega-3s Prolong Life: Harvard Study

The Healthiest Meal Ever (According to Some Scientists)

A group of British food researchers have chosen what they believe to be the healthiest meal ever. It's based around several proven "superfoods" and the researchers say it's delicious as well as good-for-you!

The Leatherhead Food Research organization looked at over 4000 health-boosting claims used by food manufacturers and their marketing teams. Of those only 222 were considered to be based on real scientific evidence. Omega 3 fatty acids (found in fish and seafood) and whole grains were two well-known foods that made the cut.

The "healthiest" meal according to the Leatherhead geeks starts off with fresh and smoked salmon terrine and includes a mixed leaf salad with extra virgin olive oil dressing. The health main meal is chicken casserole with lentils and mixed vegetables. Desert is a "live yogurt" blancmange that includes fresh walnuts and a no-sugar caramel sauce topping.

A Glucomannan and berry-based shake was touted as the ideal meal replacement for dieters. Hot chocolate was also recommended because of the health-boosting properties of cacao. For some reason the scientists also included a special sports drink packed with micro-nutrients like selenium and magnesium.

According to top researcher Dr Paul Berryman:

"We have also shown that healthy foods do not have to be dull... We carry out thousands of consumer taste tests a year and one thing is clear. No matter how healthy, if foods do not taste good they will not sell."

We say: We're not so sure about the conclusions of these food geeks. The real healthiest meal ever would almost definitely be a paleo diet meal based around natural proteins and low-glycemic vegetables!

Learn some mo': Healthiest meal ever: After editing thousands of claims, scientists serve up a superdish

Fish Oil/DHA Supplements During Pregnancy = Stronger Baby Immune Systems

Taking fish oil supplements -- or possibly any type of DHA supplement -- during pregnancy may make your baby's immune system stronger. A new study shows that the babies of women taking fish oil/DHA supplements got sick less often and for shorter periods of time than babies of women who didn't take the healthy fat supplements.

DHA -- or docosahexaenoic acid -- is one of the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil, krill oil, and other marine supplements. Many health experts have long said that DHA supplements (and other omega 3 fat supplements) can significantly improve the health of both a baby and its mother. There is a strong connection between omega 3 fat intake and immune system boosting in humans. There is also some evidence that high omega 3 intake during and after pregnancy leads to smarter children.

Some experts believe that it's extremely important for women to eat large amounts of cold water fish and omega 3-rich seafood during pregnancy. But many doctors often urge against it because of the high levels of mercury and other toxins that are now found in most marine animals. A good fish oil or high-quality krill oil supplement may allow a women to enjoy the baby health-boosting benefits of DHA without the risks!

Learn some mo': Fish oil in pregnancy may ward off babies' colds