Fish oil: a source of Omega-3 against metabolic syndrome
Metabolic syndrome: fish oil, an excellent ally to counteract it
Omega-3 fatty acids contained infish oil help fight metabolic syndrome, a worrisome combination of health-threatening factors associated with conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
They act directly on the functioning of the fat cells that make up adipose tissue, implementing a real anti-obesity action. This is shown by research by Michael Puglisi and colleagues at Vanderbilt University (Nashville, United States), published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry. According to the findings of Puglisi's research group, it is the adipose tissue itself that mediates thebeneficial effect of fish oil against the risk factors of metabolic syndrome. In fact, omega-3 fatty acids promote changes in adipose tissue metabolism that, in turn, contribute to improved glucose and lipid levels.
Adipose tissue, enemy-friend of the body
Fat cells, true storehouses of excess energy, are key elements in the regulation of lipid balance in the body. For this function of theirs to be carried out as properly as possible, it is necessary that the daily introduction of fats is, in turn, balanced. Otherwise, the risk of health problems is just around the corner. Among these the most obvious is weight gain. According to experts, obesity has led to an alarming increase in the incidence of many chronic disorders, such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. And since it is the improper diet that leads to overweight, it is the scientists themselves who recommend solving the problem by introducing specific nutrients into the diet. From this point of view, fish oil and, more generally, omega-3 fatty acids are an excellent remedy.
Omega-3 and metabolic syndrome: an all-around counteracting action
Indeed, Omega-3s act on the body at different levels, and their effect is the result of both liver-level action and direct modulation of blood lipid levels. But fish oil also regulates the plasma levels of two molecules produced by adipose tissue, adiponectin and lectin. These two molecules belong to the grouping of adipokines, substances important in regulating the immune response. In particular, adiponectin is involved in the improvement of biological parameters of metabolic syndrome due toOmega-3 intake. In addition, new data are emerging that assign a similar role to leptin. Due to these effects, fish oil ensures not only thelowering of plasma triglycerides, but also the increase of insulin sensitivity essential to counter type 2 diabetes and the reduction of blood pressure, thrombotic events and arrhythmias, contributing to the decrease of cardiovascular disease risk. And the positive actions of fish oil do not end there: inflammation associated with adipose tissue is also reduced by Omega-3. The results are so encouraging that experts in the field speculate that pharmacological agents acting on the mechanisms regulated by Omega-3s may be identified in the near future.
