STOCKHOLM: Omega-3 fatty acids, often taken to boost health, appear to increase the risk of childhood allergies and prostate cancer, according to two studies unveiled yesterday.
Newborns with high levels of unsaturated fats in their blood were more prone to develop an allergy than those with lower blood concentrations, according to a probe by three Swedish universities.
“It is already known that unsaturated fatty acids inhibit activation of the immune system. This can be useful when you are old,” Agnes Wold, a physician at the clinical microbiology department of Gothenburg’s Sahlgrenska University Hospital, said in a statement.
“But the baby’s immune system needs to get a kick start, otherwise it does not develop properly,” she said.
Previous research has indicated that children who at an early age were given fish, which is famously high in omega-3 fatty acids, were less likely to get an allergy.
Another author of the study, food science professor Ann-Sofie Sandberg, cautioned against avoiding fish on the basis of these findings.
“Fish is so much more than just omega-3 fatty acids. One cannot conclude from our study that pregnant women and young children should not eat fish,” she said.
Separately, a large study published in Britain’s Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that three omega-3 fatty acids were associated with an increase of between 43 and 71 percent in the risk of developing prostate cancer.
The biggest increase in risk was for so-called high-grade prostate cancer, whose tumors are more likely to be fatal.
The study, led by scientists at the US Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, amplifies previous findings in 2011 that suggested these fatty acids play an unexplained role in initiating prostate cancer.
Omega-3 acids linked to child allergies, prostate risk
Omega-3 acids linked to child allergies, prostate risk
Where We Are Going Today: Karak Haala in Jeddah
- Karak Haala offers two popular Indian classics: chapati — the traditional flatbread made from whole wheat flour and cooked on a griddle — and chai karak, a creamy milk tea infused with bold spices and inspired by Indian masala chai
While Jeddah’s rich cultural diversity means that karak tea is widely available in the city, finding a place that prepares it the perfect way is not always easy. When a place does it right, it stands out.
So I was fortunate to come across Karak Haala at a dining square in Al-Rawdah that was bustling with families enjoying quick snacks and casual dinners. The lively square features outdoor seating, making it an appealing spot in winter.
Karak Haala offers two popular Indian classics: chapati — the traditional flatbread made from whole wheat flour and cooked on a griddle — and chai karak, a creamy milk tea infused with bold spices and inspired by Indian masala chai, widely loved across the Gulf.
The tea was rich, creamy, and well-spiced. I ordered a large cup, which was a generous enough helping to share. It paired well with four chapatis, one with fried eggs, one with cheese, and two interestingly filled with chicken masala and butter chicken, both of which were generously stuffed, juicy, and well-seasoned. Other fillings are also available. Each bite of chapati, followed by a sip of karak, made for a satisfying experience.
The outlet serves a complimentary traditional Indian cream bun with every cup of karak, which, while fresh and appetizing, felt, to me, more appropriate as a breakfast item rather than an evening treat.
With reasonable prices — ranging from SR9 to SR12 — Karak Haala is a solid choice for those seeking a light dinner or a quick snack. The menu also includes a variety of hot and cold beverages, sharing boxes, burgers, club sandwiches, and more.
