Eating relatively small amounts of fish helps to protect against several types of cancers, especially those of the digestive tract, according to findings from an Italian study. The studied subjects who ate fish once a week had a 20% to 30% less risk of cancers of the mouth, esophagus, stomach, pancreas, colon, and rectum than those who ate fewer than one serving of fish a week. The studied subjects, who ate even more fish, had even lower risks of these cancers.
The researchers are not exactly sure, but they speculate that omega-3 fatty acids in fish are responsible for the cancer-protecting effect. On the other hand, if a person eats more fish, they are less likely to eat beef and pork. This one will probably remain a Health Mystery for quite some time to come.
