(31-05-12) Fish consumption lowers risk of colorectal cancers

by Danna Norek

(NaturalNews) New research suggests that eating fish may have yet another huge
health benefit to add to its repertoire - the prevention of colorectal cancers.
A study centered around fish consumption and rectal and colon cancers found
that participants who ate fish three or more times per week had a reduced
chance of developing these cancers.

Fish and how it may impact your colon and rectal health
While the study showed definite colorectal health benefits in eating fish, it
did not delve further into the reasons why this might be. Further, it found the
largest inverse relationship between fish consumption and colorectal cancers to
be with rectal cancer.

There was also a relationship between lower colon cancer risk and fish
consumption. However, that was not as impressive as the preventive benefits it
had for rectal cancer.

It is not known whether it was the specific nutrients of fish that resulted in
the colorectal health boost or other reasons. One theory is that people who
consume a lot of fish also tend to be more health conscious in their other food
choices and this can also be part of the reason for the reduced cancer risk.

Previous studies have also indicated that women who consumed fish frequently
had a lower incidence of colon polyps. Colon polyps are often good indicators
of trouble ahead when it comes to colon health. They are often considered
precancerous growths that should be removed.

The many other important benefits of fish
It is well known by now that people who eat fish two to three times per week
tend to enjoy certain health perks. These perks include enhanced heart and
circulatory health, enhanced brain function, increased ability to manage
weight, and improved eye and skin health to name a few. It has even been
studied as a powerful natural anti-anxiety and antidepressant mechanism.

Fish has also shown benefits for enhanced immunity and suppression of
inflammation which makes it an excellent weapon against cancer. This is due to
its effect on two important components of our immune response called cytokines
and eicosanoids. Fish consumption is also strongly recommended for anyone
suffering from arthritis or any other inflammatory disease for this reason.

Why is fish such an important source of protein?
Fish contains a low amount of fat which makes it an excellent source of lean
protein. Even fattier fishes tend to cook off most of the fat during the most
recommended cooking method of broiling, while maintaining the important omega 3
fats.

The high content of omega 3 fatty acids, low fat content and vitamins A and D
may explain a number of the benefits fish provides. In addition to the vitamins
and omega 3 fats found in fish, several varieties also contain minerals like
iodine, selenium, potassium, iron, and even calcium.

Many of these vitamins and minerals have interactions with one another which
increase their absorption and utilization rate. For example, vitamin D acts as
a catalyst for increased calcium absorption in the intestines which in turn
promotes bone absorption of this important mineral. This makes fish one of the
most nutrient-rich sources of protein we can consume.

Sources for this article include:

http://www.organicfacts.net
http://www.foxnews.com
http://www.asianonlinerecipes.com/health-fitness/fish-nutrients.php

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