Omega 3-rich diet may keep joints healthy

Including cold water oily fish, such as salmon, herring, mackerel, anchovies, sardines and other foods that are rich in omega 3 fatty acids may keep your joints healthy even if you are overweight, a s

By: Editorial Team | | Updated: October 8, 2014 9:53 am

Tags: In the news Omega 3 fatty acids Rich diet

Including cold water oily fish, such as salmon, herring, mackerel, anchovies, sardines and other foods that are rich in omega 3 fatty acids may keep your joints healthy even if you are overweight, a study suggests. ‘Our results suggest that dietary factors play a more significant role than mechanical factors in the link between obesity and osteoarthritis,’ said Farshid Guilak, a professor at the Duke University in the US. Mice consuming a supplement of omega 3 fatty acids had healthier joints than those fed diets high in saturated fats and omega 6 fatty acids, the findings showed, indicating unhealthy dietary fats — not just obesity — may contribute to worsening osteoarthritis. (Read: Eat a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids for a sharper brain) Also Read - Increase your omega-3 intake to reduce death risk due to Covid-19

Also Read - 5 surprising food sources of omega-3s, the nutrient that keeps your heart healthy and more

In this study, the researchers focused on mice with osteoarthritis of the knee caused by injury to the joint. The mice were fed one of three high-fat diets: one rich in saturated fat, one rich in omega 6 fatty acids, and one rich in omega 6 fatty acids but supplemented with a small amount of omega 3 fatty acids. The researchers found arthritis was significantly associated with the mice’s diets, but not with body weight. (Read: Eat fish containing omega-3 fatty acids twice a week to reduce type 2 diabetes risk!) Also Read - 5 reasons why fish is considered one of the healthiest foods on the planet

The mice that ate diets high in saturated fat or omega 6 fatty acids experienced significant worsening of their arthritis, while mice consuming a small supplement of omega 3 fatty acids had healthier joints. ‘While omega 3 fatty acids are not reversing the injury, they appear to slow the progression of arthritis in this group of mice,’ Guilak said. ‘In fact, omega 3 fatty acids eliminated the detrimental effects of obesity in obese mice,’ he noted. (Read: You need fats (omega 3 fatty acids) for better memory!)

The study appeared in the journal Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases.

Other health benefits of omega 3 fatty acids

Improves blood cholesterol levels: According to studies, fish, fish oil and walnuts can decrease triglyceride levels. People who eat fatty fish tend to have increased HDL cholesterol and decreased triglycerides. Read more about why you need omega-3 fatty acids in your diet.
Prevents heart disease: A diet low in saturated fat and rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (including omega-3 fatty acids) helps prevent heart disease. Fish oil has been shown to reduce arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat), risk of stroke and helps prevent and treat atherosclerosis (hardening and narrowing of artery). Fish oil supplements taken after a heart attack cuts the risk of having another heart attack.
Regulates important physiological functions – Some studies suggest that Omega-3 fats play an important role in the production of prostaglandins which are known to regulate important physiological functions like blood pressure, blood clotting, nerve transmission, allergic responses, etc. (Read more: 10 health benefits of omega 3 fatty acids)

With inputs from IANS

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Published : July 13, 2014 4:30 pm | Updated:October 8, 2014 9:53 am

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