Omega-3s could improve metabolic syndrome outcomes
www.gdaguru.com today reports that Omega-3-rich supplements may improve blood lipid levels of people with metabolic syndrome, reducing the risks of developing serious health problems, says a new study. 30-08-2010
The research, published in The Journal of Nutrition, suggests that the effects of metabolic syndrome – a major risk factor for insulin resistance and diabetes - can be reduced through the addition of omega-3 fatty acids in low-fat, high-complex carbohydrate diets.
Metabolic syndrome is the name given to a group of risk factors that frequently include obesity, hypertension, high levels of blood lipids, and high blood sugars.
The condition is a common precursor to type II diabetes, and is also strongly associated with increased risk of major health problems such as heart disease and stroke.
The causes of metabolic syndrome are unknown, although they are thought to involve both genetic and environmental factors – including poor diet.
One way to increase the overall health – and reduce the risks - of people with metabolic syndrome, has been to eat a diet low in saturated fat and high in complex carbohydrates. However, previous research has suggested that this diet does not help to reduce high levels of blood lipids - with some studies observing such a diet could even be raising blood lipid levels.
