According to the American Heart Association, the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish benefit the hearts of healthy people and of those who have, or are at risk for, heart disease. However, modest consumption of fish does not seem to protect against the overall risk for cancer or major chronic disease in men, according to a new study published in the December issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition .

Previous studies have shown that fish consumption may reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death and prostate cancer. In this study, researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health and their colleagues assessed 40,230 U.S. male health professionals aged 40 to 75 to examine the associations between fish consumption and the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and death. The study participants were followed for 18 years. The researchers found that, although eating at least 1 serving per week of fish was associated with an approximately 15% lower risk of cardiovascular disease, fish consumption was not significantly associated with the risk for cancer or major chronic disease.

This study provides additional evidence that eating fish is good for your heart. However, fish consumption does not appear to affect overall cancer risk, at least in men. Other studies would be needed to evaluate the relationship between fish consumption and cancer or chronic disease in women.

Source

Am J Clin Nutr. 2008;88:1618-1625.