Harm of smoking: omega-3s reduce effects on arteries
Smoking: less damage to arteries thanks to fish oil
Take 2 grams per day of Omega 3 for 4 weeks helps reduce the damage of smoking to the arteries and decrease cardiovascular risk. This is suggested by a study presented at the World Congress of Cardiology in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The authors state that 2 grams per day of these fatty acids, over the course of 4 weeks, can provide the following health benefits:
- Significant benefits at the level of the blood vessel wall;
- Reduction in cardiovascular risk.
Blood vessels: Omega-3 friends of the circulatory system
In industrialized countries, cardiovascular disease is one of the most frequent causes of death. Several studies show that 30 percent of heart and arterial dysfunction could be prevented by following a proper diet. The role played by Omega-3s in this phenomenon was discovered in the early 1970s. At that time it was observed that in Greenland Eskimo populations, heavy consumers of fish rich in Omega-3s, the incidence of cardiovascular disease was among the lowest in the world. The beneficial effect of these molecules is based on their ability to:
- Reduce excess triglycerides;
- Increase levels of so-called "good" (or HDL) cholesterol.
Omega-3s decrease platelet aggregation and promote dilation of blood vessels, processes that allow them to inhibit clotting and reduce the risk of thrombosis. A recent study1 also showed that these fatty acids counteract the thickening of blood vessels typical of those born underweight.
Effects of smoking on the artery wall
Smoking is bad for your lungs, and not only that. In fact, cigarette smoke contains thousands of toxic substances that through the bloodstream reach and "impregnate" various organs. These substances affect atresì the arteries. Nicotine and carbon monoxide accelerate the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, lesions that increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Omega-3 to protect the heart from smoking
A group of researchers led by Gerasimos Siasos, from the Medical School of the University of Athens, Greece, in the study presented in Dubai, showed that taking Omega-3s even for short periods reduces the stiffness of smokers' arteries. Not only that, treatment with these fatty acids also counteracts the damage of the elastic properties of the vessels induced by smoking. According to Siasos, these results suggest that Omega-3s inhibit the negative effect of smoking on artery function, one of the known cardiovascular risk factors. However, experts remind that the only sure way to protect health from the harmful effects of smoking is to stop smoking. These findings encourage smokers and nonsmokers alike to eat a healthy, balanced diet that includes Omega-3 rich foods such as salmon, mackerel and walnuts. For those at increased risk of cardiovascular disease, the advice is to eat fish rich in these fatty acids at least 2 times a week.
Source
1. Skilton MR, Ayer JG, Harmer JA, Webb K, Leeder SR, Marks GB, Celermajer DS, "Impaired Fetal Growth and Arterial Wall Thickening: A Randomized Trial of Omega-3 Supplementation," Pediatrics. 2012 Feb 20. [Epub ahead of print].
