Those who have been consuming more omega-3 from varied sources seemed to have lesser risk of heart disease. Fatty fishes such as salmon and even krill are the major sources of omega-3.
Studies over Omega-3 Role against Diabetes
Though omega-3 has been known to be a major combatant of heart diseases; it has been touted as a very efficient nutrient that can combat several conditions. Of which diabetes is included.
Although a diabetes fight can be a bit tough, an omega-3 supplement can be of help and can make your fight against the disease easier. As past research shows, omega-3 can reduce high triglyceride levels in the body, it can reduce bad cholesterol levels and can even perk up insulin sensitivity to help condition become less harsh.
Here are some studies supporting it.
1. A scientist from Amsterdam has analyzed 26 relevant clinical trials that fish oil has lowered the triglycerides of diabetic subjects by 30%.
2. Another from University of Maryland Medical Center said that not only will omega-3 lower triglycerides and diabetes markers such as apoproteins but it may also help raise the good cholesterol.
3. Jason Wu, PhD of the Harvard School of Public Health led a study that established fish oil and omega-3 as a supplementation that caused modest increase in the adiponectin in the blood. Adiponectin is linked in the lowered risk of diabetes and even coronary disease.
4. In American Journal of Clinical Nutrition article, polysaturated fatty acids reduce many women’s risk of type 2 diabetes.
Such samples aren’t the only one in the field. Many other studies has been done and has been sampled for men, women and even children as factors and sample study for the population.
Benefits of Omega-3 for those with Diabetes
1. Reduced triglyceride levels. The National Institute of Health has found out in their study that fish oil and its omega-3 components lower triglyceride level in the body.
2. Can adjust and lower cholesterol. Since people with diabetes have low HDL or the good cholesterol, a good consumption of omega-3 from various sources can help in the adjustment of HDL in the blood.
3. Enhanced Insulin Sensitivity. Most diabetes sufferers only need an improvement in their insulin sensitivity to improve their condition. With omega-3 fatty acids, the insulin action and insulin levels can be improved.
4. Increased glucose metabolism. Omega-3 has been found out to be a major factor in the reduction in the impairment of glucose metabolism. This has been backed up by the reports from the University of San Paulo, Brazil.
5. Reduced risk of linked ailments. Omega-3 can help in the reduction of certain diseases that are mostly associated from the complications of diabetes. Since omega-3 is anti-inflammatory, it can be very beneficial in terms of lessening other malady’s symptoms in the body.
How Omega-3 Can be Added to your Diet
There are various ways that omega-3 can be incorporated in your daily diet. First the diet itself of foods that are rich in omega-3 or through supplements.
The known sources of omega-3 can be included in your meals. Salmon, sardines, tuna, mussels, rainbow trout, flaxseed, Chia seeds, cod liver, walnuts, krill, calamari and many more are some major sources of omega-3. If these foods and produce are unavailable in your locale, a better option is supplements. But then they have to be approved by your doctor first.
But of course, omega-3 is there to help, but this shouldn’t be a substitute for your diabetes medications. Your doctor’s opinion matters.