Omega-3 fatty acids: reduces risk of Diabetes

Finnish men who had higher levels of Omega-3 Fatty Acids were found to have lowered risk of Type-2 Diabetes, says a study from University of Eastern Finland.

A higher level of Omega-3 Fatty Acid is an objective biomarker of fish intake.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids has gained special interest with researchers because of their beneficial effects on the risk for cardiovascular diseases, and several risk factors for diabetes, obesity, hypertension and dyslipidemia (abnormal levels of cholesterol and triglycerides).

It is yet not known if other foods containing Omega-3 Fatty Acids (like the flax seeds*) would have the same benefit on reducing the risk of Diabetes. Until that is known it may be worhwhile for the non-fish eaters to continue taking atleast two teaspoon of flax seeds daily in order to lower the risk of getting Type-2 Diabetes.

* Generally, the Indian equivalent of flax seed is known as Alsi.

Dr. Ajay Sati.