Omega 3 fatty acids and CVD—fishing for a natural treatment
You’ve probably heard that omega-3 fatty acids are good for lots of stuff. The reason is that these fatty acids effect such a basic level of physiology that their benefits extend outwards in several directions. We know that a healthy balance of omega-3 to omega-6 affects the end products of inflammation or anti-inflammation depending upon which fatty acid is available for an enzyme to work on. Also, omega-3 fatty acids seem to affect our genetic expression of a family of receptors that alter the way fats break down in our bodies. So, the intake of the right type of fat may actually stimulate the overall breakdown of fat. So, this fanaticism with “low fat” and “fat free” has never been a good idea–the types of fats are much more important then their absence.
bmj.com Din et al. 328 (7430): 30 –
