(09-04-13) Four research-proven benefits of omega-3 fatty acids

by David Gutierrez, staff writer

(NaturalNews) Ongoing research continues to support the effectiveness of fish
oil and omega-3 fatty acid supplements in boosting heart health, lowering blood
pressure, easing inflammation and decreasing pain in sufferers of rheumatoid
arthritis.

Blood pressure and cardiovascular health
In an article published in May 2012 in the journal Systematic Reviews,
researchers from Ottawa Hospital Research Institute reviewed the results of 65
prior randomized clinical trials, two controlled clinical trials and one
observational study on the risks, benefits and drug interactions from a number
of commonly used dietary supplements including omega-3 fatty acids. Based on
this review, they concluded that omega-3 supplements led to a significant
decrease in triglyceride levels when combined with cholesterol-lowering drugs.

The study was only one of the most recent to provide strong evidence that
omega-3s are good for your heart. For example, the large Nurses Health Study
has found that higher intake of omega-3s decreases women's risk of dying from a
heart attack by 33 percent, while the Physicians Health Study found that it
cuts men's risk by an astonishing 80 percent.

Indeed, the Mayo Clinic has granted a grade of "A" to the body of scientific
research supporting the benefits of omega-3s and fish oil in lowering
triglycerides and the risk of coronary heart disease. Studies have found
significant decreases in the rates of heart attacks among those taking omega-3
supplements, as well as significantly lower rates of death not just from
cardiovascular disease but also deaths from all causes.

The Mayo Clinic has also granted a grade of "A" to evidence that high daily
omega-3 intake can cause small but significant decreases in blood pressure.

However, because omega-3s can increase the risk of bleeding, it is recommended
that heart patients consult a doctor for advice on a safe supplementation dose.

Inflammation and rheumatoid arthritis
Omega-3s have also been well established as potent anti-inflammatories, a
benefit that earned another "A" from the Mayo Clinic. Even one or two daily
capsules can apparently significantly reduce systemic inflammation.

This may explain some of the more specific health benefits that omega-3
supplementation provides, such as relief of seasonal asthma (an inflammatory
condition). Omega-3s have also been shown to provide some relief to the
symptoms of lupus, and may reduce the severity of inflammatory bowel conditions
such as Crohn's disease enough to allow patients to reduce their doses of anti-
inflammatory drugs or even stop taking them altogether.

The Mayo Clinic also gave a grade of "A" to studies showing that rheumatoid
arthritis patients taking regular fish oil supplements experienced less
stiffness and joint pain, to a degree comparable to that from over-the-counter
anti-inflammatory drugs.

This is by no means a complete list of the potential benefits to fish oil and
omega-3s, which may also decrease the risk of certain cancers and age-related
cognitive decline, for example. The Mayo Clinic lists more than 70 other
potential health benefits that have been supported by preliminary scientific
research, but that still need to be fully confirmed in large clinical human
trials.

Sources:

http://www.vitasearch.com/get-clp-summary/40314
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080310164906.htm
http://www.onelifeusa.com/Proven_Advantages_of_Omega-3_Fatty_Acids.htm
http://www.mayoclinic.com
http://www.systematicreviewsjournal.com/content/pdf/2046-4053-1-26.pdf

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