Originally published February 8 2006
Newsletter brings good news about the health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
The December 2005 PUFA Newsletter reports that omega-3 fatty acids lower the risk of sudden death as well as the cognitive decline associated with the aging process.
Recent studies show that omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) may lower one's heart rate and risk of sudden death as well as slow cognitive decline in older age, reports the December 2005 PUFA Newsletter.
As a result, modest intakes of fish oil, such as would be obtained from eating fatty fish twice a week, may also lower risk of cardiac mortality.
More findings from the Chicago Health and Aging Project showed that older subjects consuming fish (long-chain omega-3 PUFAs) at least weekly had significantly slower cognitive decline compared with non-fish eaters.
This is consistent with previous observational studies.
A 40 percent lower risk of sudden death in women aged 50 years with the highest intakes of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) -- a plant-based omega-3 PUFA -- was observed in another study.
This was a heartening outcome as intake of omega-3s from fish is low in many western countries, noted PUFA Newsletter Editor Joyce Nettleton, DSc, RD.
Other findings reported in the December 2005 PUFA Newsletter reinforce the importance of providing preterm infants adequate DHA -- a long-chain omega-3 PUFA -- immediately after birth.
Observational studies associated tuna consumption with a lower risk of dry eye syndrome and fatty fish consumption with reduced risk of asthma in children of asthmatic mothers.
"It is remarkable that so little fatty fish consumption, at least monthly, was associated with such striking findings in the asthma study," Nettleton said.
From heart and brain benefits to improved immune function, omega-3 PUFAs continue to interest both researchers and consumers.
Sponsored by DSM Nutritional Products, the quarterly PUFA Newsletter brings the latest research findings about PUFAs to the public.
It is available online at http://www.fatsoflife.com and by complimentary e-subscription at http://www.fatsoflife.com/subscribe.asp.
All content posted on this site is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. Truth Publishing LLC takes sole responsibility for all content. Truth Publishing sells no hard products and earns no money from the recommendation of products. NaturalNews.com is presented for educational and commentary purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice from any licensed practitioner. Truth Publishing assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material. For the full terms of usage of this material, visit www.NaturalNews.com/terms.shtml