U.S. study: Women who eat more fish may have fewer colon polyps

Many foreign studies have shown that deep-sea fish oil is rich in DHA, which not only helps improve vision but also promotes the proliferation of brain cells. Therefore, doctors recommend that both adults and children should consume more fish. A recent research report in the United States pointed out that women who eat more fish seem to be able to effectively reduce the formation of colon polyps and reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.

A US study found that women who eat more fish can effectively inhibit the formation of colon polyps. (Photo/Source: Reuters)

According to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition cited by Reuters, 5,300 women were surveyed and regularly followed up through colonoscopy. It was found that 456 women had polyps, and 23% of them said they rarely consumed fish in their daily diet. Through cross-comparison of relevant data, researchers pointed out that women who have a regular habit of eating three pieces of fish a week have an average 33% lower chance of developing colon polyps compared to women who eat less than one piece of fish a week.

Polyps, also known as adenoma, are mushroom-shaped tissues that easily grow in the colon, adrenal gland or prostate. They are also the main cause of colorectal cancer. According to statistics from the American Cancer Society, more than 140,000 patients are diagnosed with colorectal cancer in the United States each year, and up to 50,000 people die from it. Everyone has a 20% chance of getting colorectal cancer in their lifetime. Therefore, the medical community has been calling for changes in dietary habits to effectively reduce the possibility of cancer.

Harvey, who was responsible for writing the report. Dr. Harvey Murff said that DHA in fish is rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid), which can effectively inhibit omega-6 unsaturated fatty acids from stimulating the body to secrete prostaglandin (prostaglandin E2), thereby reducing the chance of tissue cell inflammation (inflammation). It is generally recognized in the medical community that once the concentration of prostaglandins in the body is too high, it can easily induce the formation of colon polyps or even colorectal cancer.

The research report specifically mentioned that men who frequently eat fish do not seem to have similar effects, and the reason is still unclear. Scientists believe that men may not be as sensitive as women to the omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids in fish. As to whether increasing the amount of fish intake can help, further experiments are needed to clarify.