Omega-3 fatty acids are poly-unsaturated, nutritional elements that were first distinguished for their potentially positive effects on the human heart.  Since these have started garnering the attention of scientists and researchers around 2 decades ago, there has been a growing body of research ventures and evidences on the healthy benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids.

Now, a recent discovery has only added to the already long list of its advantages, which could possibly lead to a simple remedy for an illness that plagues millions of Americans — diabetes. Researchers at the University of California found out that these favorable fatty acids activate a certain receptor, which yield anti-inflammatory effects and reduced insulin resistance. Although the conducted study warrants further research, diabetes and other health conditions may soon be resolved and prevented through simple, natural ways with the use of Omega-3 fatty acids.

Inflammation and Insulin Resistance due to Macrophage Activity

A close look at obese fat tissue yields information on what it contains: abundant amounts of macrophages that produce large numbers of cytokines.

Macrophages are white blood cells that digest and engulf pathogens and cellular debris. In an effort to destroy cells and invasive objects that are perceived as damaging to the body, the “protective” activity of macrophages involves secretion of cytokines. This results in chronic inflammation, which leads to insulin resistance in cells that are rendered excessively exposed to cytokines.

Insulin resistance, or decreased insulin sensitivity, pertains to the condition where the efficiency of insulin at regulating the body’s blood sugar levels becomes significantly reduced. As a result, a wide array of grave health conditions emerges, including the dreaded type 2 diabetes mellitus.

The Significant Role of Omega-3 Fatty Acids and GPR120 in Producing Anti-diabetic Effects

In the studies conducted by Jerrold M. Olefsky and his other colleagues, the researchers explored pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory molecules and centred in on GPR120, a receptor that produces pro-inflammatory macrophages in mature fat cells contain.  GPR120 belongs to a large group of G protein-coupled receptors and signaling molecules, which play an important role in various cellular functions.

The experiments involved cell structures and mice that were fed with a high-fat diet, with or without supplementation of Omega-3 fatty acids. Some of the mice underwent genetic modification in order for them to lack the receptor. When supplementation was employed, results in obese mice with GPR120 showed that inflammation was subdued and insulin sensitivity improved; whereas those that lacked the receptor yielded no effects.

It was discovered that the macrophage continues with its inflammatory activities when GPR120 remains deactivated. The receptor is activated due to its exposure to Omega-3 fatty acids Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). As a result of this activation, GPR120 strongly generates anti-inflammatory effects. Olefsky said that by destroying the macrophage’s inflammatory response, Omega-3 fatty acids’ stimulation of the GPR120 is incredibly powerful. Furthermore, it supports the credibility and strength of employing effective natural remedies, considering that Omega-3 acids are natural products.

The possibilities are promising. Because results show that fish oils are capable of causing anti-inflammatory effects, treatment for diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer may be possible through simple dietary supplementation. However, because fish oils have been associated with heightened risk of stroke and bleeding, further research must focus on the safe, healthy, and effective amount of fish oil intake. Regardless, if ever fish oils prove to be unfeasible, the very fact that the significant role of Omega-3 fatty acids and GPR120 has been established is a good starting point from where scientists can develop alternative supplements.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: A Spectrum of Health Benefits

As earlier stated, the recent revelation on how Omega-3 fatty acids activate the anti-inflammatory effects of GPR120 is but a landmark addition to a wealthy range of health benefits. Their importance in treating and preventing severe conditions has been established by several research evidences: What supposedly started out by suggesting positive effects on the heart, gradually branched out to providing benefits for several other health conditions.

Clearly, Omega-3 fatty acids have established their positions as effective natural remedies that anyone can easily access, given the right diet and healthy supplementation levels. These are naturally found in fish, although fatty fish such as salmon contain higher amounts of these acids. However, problems arise due to the prevalence of eating processed foods, which entails adding several preservatives that remove the natural Omega-3 fatty acids that they originally contain. This issue renders supplementation of Omega-3 fatty acids as necessary, provided that supplements are taken at healthy amounts or dosages. One of the more credible supplements is the Carlson liquid fish oil, which contains healthy amounts of Omega-3 fatty acids with the added advantage of its pleasant lemon taste.

The following offer a more detailed look into some of what Omega-3 fatty acids have to offer:

Boosting “good” cholesterol levels for a healthier heart

Research evidences abound, showing the favorable effects of fish oil in maintaining the heart’s good health, preventing heart disease, and in reducing the risk of stroke or a heart attack. This is primarily due to how the Omega-3 fatty acids help reduces triglycerides while simultaneously increasing High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) or good cholesterol levels. Furthermore, these also act as anticoagulants and take on the significant role of preventing blood-clotting; and possibly contribute to maintaining the body’s normal blood pressure.

Enhancing brain health and function

One of the pioneer researchers of Omega-3 fatty acids, Dr. David Horrobin, said that 8 percent of the human brain is made up of Omega-3.

The results of a study published in the Journal of Neuroscience showed that these fatty acids, particularly the Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have a potentially beneficial role in preventing Alzheimer’s disease by inhibiting the body’s accumulation of a certain element that is allegedly associated with Alzheimer’s.

Studies also show how using Omega-3 supplement aids a person in undergoing fast recovery from depression disorder, and reduce the risk of memory impairment. Furthermore, one particular research found in the Journal and Development Behavioral Pediatrics stated that these fatty acids enhance the learning and behavior of children.

Preventing another fatal condition: Cancer

As one of the main reasons why supplementation is widely used, Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil are found to contribute in preventing breast, colon, and prostate cancer. Primarily, these acids inhibit the following activities of cells: Abnormal cell-changing processes that lead cells into becoming cancerous, and the very growth of abnormal cells.

Other effects include the reduction of chronic inflammation, as evident in neck pain and rheumatoid arthritis; and the enhancement of the body’s immune system so as to have a more robust resistance against disease.

More and more emerging research evidences yield newer information on the benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids. It seems that scientists are yet to see the end of its benefits. Simultaneously, increasing knowledge on their favorable effects just further support how anyone likely won’t go wrong with natural means.

Sources
healthyomega3.com
umm.edu