Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats that cannot be synthesized in the body, meaning they must be obtained through diet. They play a crucial role in preventing diseases such as Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and cardiovascular disease, which are both growing global health concerns.
In 2021, approximately 529 million people globally were living with diabetes, with most cases being T2D, a condition where the body either cannot produce enough insulin or cannot use it efficiently. This leads to impaired metabolism of sugars, fats, and proteins, increasing the risk of complications like heart disease and stroke. T2D is also a leading cause of disability and death worldwide, but the good news is that it is preventable through lifestyle changes, including dietary interventions.
One of the key findings of recent research is the relationship between high levels of “bad cholesterol” (LDL, or low-density lipoproteins), measured through a protein called apoB, and the development of T2D and cardiovascular disease. While high apoB levels were once considered a consequence of T2D, new evidence suggests that they may also contribute to the disease’s onset.
Research conducted at the Université de Montréal’s Institut de recherche clinique de Montréal suggests that omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) found in fish oil, can help lower the incidence of T2D and cardiovascular disease. In a clinical study involving 40 healthy volunteers, participants who received omega-3 supplementation showed reduced adipose tissue (fat) inflammation—a key factor in the development of T2D—especially in those with high blood apoB levels. The study also found improvements in insulin secretion and fat elimination from the blood after meals.
These findings suggest that omega-3 fatty acids may help counteract some of the metabolic disturbances caused by high LDL levels, potentially reducing the risk of both T2D and cardiovascular disease. The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada recommends consuming oily fish such as salmon and mackerel twice a week to meet omega-3 needs, or using plant-based sources like flaxseed, although plant-based omega-3s are less efficiently converted into the more beneficial EPA and DHA.
This study highlights the importance of omega-3s in supporting metabolic health, and ongoing research is investigating the paradox of how lowering LDL can sometimes increase the risk of T2D while reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
For anyone looking to maintain optimal cardiovascular and metabolic health, ensuring an adequate intake of omega-3s—either through diet or supplements—could be a vital strategy.
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