Omega-3 fatty acids commonly known as brain nutrient benefit both children and adults.  Aside from being known as supportive of brain, eye and heart health,Omega-3 fatty acids (found in oily fish like mackerel, sardines and tuna) it is now being tagged as beneficial to dental health for its anti-bacterial effects and even extending benefits beyond inflammation.  All found to inhibit the growth of oral pathogens, there are three types of Omega-3 fatty acids — EPA, DHA, and ALA.

In the past, most studies on Omega-3 have focused on its anti-inflammatory effect but not on anti-bacterial property, but such anti-bacterial property turned out to be very important. To date, the optimal dosage to deliver oral anti-bacterial protection has not been determined.

In another perspective, Omega-3 is seen as a potential protection against colorectal cancer (where there could be as much as 945,000 new cases each year - worldwide). Increasing the intake of Omega-3 while decreasing the intake of Omega-6 could reduce the risk of colorectal cancer, as shown in a study from China. The said study adds to a small but growing body of evidence supporting the importance of the balance between  the two. 

Other than being an aid in the prevention of colorectal cancer, another highlight on the beneficial effects of Omega-3 is its ability to help improve outcomes of chemotherapy (treatment for cancer patients). With supplements of omega three (DHA), breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy had improved treatment outcome.

Scientists are looking at Omega-3’s role in potentially increasing survival among breast cancer patients whose cancer has metastasized to other body parts. Positive results of this study could be very significant as 1.3 million women around the world are diagnosed with breast cancer every year. Scientists conducting the research proposed that DHA may help improve survival by making the tumor sensitive to chemotherapy.

For a simple daily dose of Omega-3 try to incorporate at least four fish meals in a week, the more the better.

Mack Burger Patty

Ingredients:

½ kilo mackerel (may be from can)
5 tablespoon cracker crumbs
3 egg whites
3 tablespoons finely chopped onions
3 cloves garlic, chopped
3 tablespoons chopped walnuts
1 teaspoon horseradish salt and pepper to taste
2 red bell peppers, sliced thinly
1 medium-size onion, cut in half and sliced
4 cloves garlic, sliced
3 tablespoon vegetable stock
salt and pepper to taste

Sauce:

3 tablespoon chopped parsley
3 teaspoon horseradish
3 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoon prepared mustard salt and pepper to taste