The omega effect

Eskimos in Greenland, studies have shown, have strikingly low rates of heart disease. The explanation, perhaps, lies in their fish-rich diet.

Eskimos in Greenland, studies have shown, have strikingly low rates of heart disease. The explanation, perhaps, lies in their fish-rich diet. The Omega 3 fatty acids found in fish oil keeps arteries open and reduce the risk of fatal heart attacks.nbsp; Other benefits include lowered blood pressure, lowered blood fats and reduced risk of abnormal clotting.

What are Omega 3 fatty acids?
They are considered essential fatty acids that are not be manufactured by the body. They have to be obtained through fish and certain plant oils.

What benefits do they have?
Omega 3 fatty acids are poly-unsaturated fatty acids. 8220;Studies show that a diet rich in Omega 3 fatty acids can help lower triglycerides and increase HDL cholesterol the good cholesterol. There is strong evidence that Omega 3 fatty acids can help prevent and treat atherosclerosis by inhibiting the development of plaque and blood clots, each of which tends to clog arteries. Several other studies also suggest that the fatty acids can help lower high blood pressure,8217;8217; said Ishi Khosla, a Delhi-based dietician. Recent studies have suggested that Omega 3 fatty acids could prevent the accumulation in the body of a protein believed to be linked to Alzheimer8217;s disease. Several articles reviewing the research in arthritis conclude that fatty acid supplements reduce tenderness in joints, decrease morning stiffness and allow for a reduction in the amount of medication needed for people with rheumatoid arthritis. Preliminary studies suggest that the acids can play a beneficial role in schizophrenia, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, asthma, and eating disorders.

What foods have Omega 3 fatty acids?
Foods rich in Omega 3 fatty acids including whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, olive oil, garlic and wine taken in moderation. Khosla recommends fatty fish such as mackerel, salmon, sardines and herring, hilsa, trout, black pomfret, katla and surmai. Doctors recommend eating fish at least twice a week. Many commercial food products, such as bread and baked goods, yogurt and infant formula, are now fortified with omega 3 fatty acids. Other sources of omega 3 include green leafy vegetables, soy and tofu, rajma, lobia and urad dal.

Almonds, walnuts, pine nuts, mustard seeds and fenugreek seeds, cooking oils such as flax seed oil, canola and soybean oil are also rich in the acids. Cod liver oil is not a good source of omega 3 acids. It may cause toxicity due to its high levels of Vitamin A and Vitamin D. Men should avoid flax oil pills until more is known about its potential link with prostate cancer.