Regular consumption of unsaturated omega-3 fatty acids increases the skin’s resistance to sunlight and delays the process of carcinogenesis, reports The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Researchers from the University of Manchester in Great Britain proved in the first human study that providing the body with an appropriate dose of omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids, e.g. in fish, protects the skin against the harmful effects of sunlight and reduces the risk of immunosuppression (phenomena). production of antibodies and immune cells), which reduces the body’s ability to defend itself against skin cancer and infections.
This study provides evidence that omega-3 is a potential nutrient capable of protecting against skin cancer. Despite the fact that the changes that occurred in people taking fat were small, it can be assumed that taking care of light chemoprevention through the use of omega-3 throughout the life can reduce the risk of skin cancer – says Prof. Lesley Rhodes, co-author of the study.
The subjects consumed 4 grams of omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids a day, and then were exposed to eight-, fifteen- or thirty-minute exposure to a special lamp that imitated the sun’s rays at noon.
A second group of subjects was also created that took a placebo instead of omega-3 supplements and also participated in radiation therapy.
It turned out that in people taking omega-3 and exposed to an eight- and fifteen-minute session of sun exposure, immunosuppression was reduced by half as compared to those in the placebo group.
Longer exposure, however, was similarly detrimental to both groups.
Scientists emphasize that consumption of omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids should not be regarded as sufficient protection from the sun’s rays. Sun creams and physical protection against the sun should not be forgotten. (PAP)
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