New research reveals yet another benefit to a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids. University of Pittsburgh researchers have found that  high concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids significantly inhibit the growth of liver cancer cells. Omega-3 is found in fish oils and certain seeds and nuts. Omega-3 decreased the levels of a protein known as beta-catenin, which has been linked to the development of various tumors.

"Beta-catenin is known to promote cell growth and also is implicated in tumor cell promotion. Therefore, our finding that omega-3 fatty acids can decrease levels of beta-catenin is further evidence that these compounds have the ability to interact on several points of pathways involved in tumor progression," stated Tong Wu, M.D., Ph.D., a member of the division of transplantation pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. According to the research, omega-3 is effective in both treating liver cancer and in the prevention of liver cancer. This is very good news, as liver cancer survival is currently not as promising as it is for some other cancers.