Omega 3 Essential Fatty Acid Intake Linked to Big Health Benefits
Intakes of Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids exceeding levels typically consumed by the general US population may significantly reduce the risk of chronic disease, suggests a new study with the Yup’ik Eskimos.
High levels of the Omega 3 Fatty Acids EPA and DHA were associated with lower levels of triglycerides, as well as higher levels of HDL Cholesterol (good Cholesterol), according to data from 357 Yup’ik Eskimos published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Raised levels of the fatty acids were also associated with decreased levels of markers of inflammation, such as C-Reactive Protein (CRP), which is produced in the liver and is a known marker for inflammation. Increased levels of CRP are a good predictor for the onset of both Type 2 Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease. CVD causes almost 50 per cent of deaths in Europe, and is reported to cost the EU economy an estimated 202 Billion Dollars per year.
“Increasing EPA and DHA intakes to amounts well above those consumed by the general US population may have strong beneficial effects on chronic disease risk,” The researchers concluded.
