Omega-3 for diabetes

People with diabetes tend to have high triglyceride and low HDL levels, so omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil can help lower triglycerides and raise HDL. Therefore, people with diabetes may benefit from eating foods or taking supplements that contain DHA and EPA. ALA from flaxseed oil may not have the same benefit as DHA and EPA. It is because some people with diabetes lack the ability to efficiently convert ALA to a form of omega-3 fatty acids that the body can use readily.

Weight loss

Many people who are overweight suffer from different problems, such as poor blood sugar control, diabetes, and high cholesterol. Studies suggest that overweight people who follow a weight loss program including exercise tend to achieve better control over their blood sugar and cholesterol levels when fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids from salmon, mackerel, and herring is a staple in their low fat diet.

Arthritis

Most clinical studies investigating the use of omega-3 fatty acid supplements for inflammatory joint conditions have focused almost entirely on the rheumatoid arthritis. Several articles reviewing the research in this area conclude that omega-3 fatty acid supplements reduce tenderness in joints and decrease morning stiffness. It is also confirmed it allow for a reduction in the amount of medication needed for people with rheumatoid arthritis.

In addition, laboratory studies suggest that diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids and low in omega-6 fatty acids may benefit people with other inflammatory disorders, such as osteoarthritis. In fact, several test tube studies of cartilage-containing cells have found that omega-3 fatty acids decrease inflammation and reduce the activity of enzymes that destroy patient’s cartilage. Similarly, New Zealand green lipped mussel, another potential source of omega-3 fatty acids, has been shown to reduce joint stiffness and pain, increase grip strength, and enhance walking pace in a small group of people with osteoarthritis. In some of these participants, symptoms worsened before they improved.