Omega 3 fatty acids a group of unsaturated acids have been shown to reduce heart disease. They have also shown promise in conditions such as Alzheimer’s, epilepsy and rheumatoid arthritis. We can obtain omega 3 fatty acids from oily fish like salmon, mackerel and sardines, also kiwi fruit and flax seed.
Scientists feel that omega 3 fatty acids benefit is related to reducing inflammation, but they are not sure how. A team of scientists in the UK recently experimented on human cells in artificial blood vessels.
By using a glass tube mimicking a blood vessel coated with endothelial cells that reside in the interior walls of blood vessels. When Omega 3 fatty acids were added after white blood cells were pumped into the tube. They discovered that the white blood cells couldn’t get across the endothelial barrier. The Omega 3 were blocking them this is significant as its the migration of white blood cells from the blood to the wall and surrounding tissues that causes inflammation.
Currently the American Heart Association recommends eating a variety of fish twice a week and other foods such as walnuts and flax seed.
Reference: