Omega-3 fatty acids are a group of polyunsaturated fatty acids that are important for many functions in the body. The omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, are found in seafood, such as fatty fish (salmon, tuna, and trout) and shellfish (crab, mussels, and oysters) while omega-3 fatty acid, ALA, is found in other foods, including some oils, nuts, and seeds.
Diabetes is a disease of chronic inflammation. Omega-3 can be beneficial by reducing the production of substances released during the body’s inflammatory responses.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakes healthy cells for foreign cells and starts attacking them. The immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Studies show that getting enough omega-3 during the first year of life is linked to a reduced risk of autoimmune diseases, including Type 1 diabetes.
Metabolic disease is frequently found in Type 2 diabetes and usually includes elevated blood pressure, increased visceral fat (waist fat), decreased good HDL cholesterol, increased triglycerides, and insulin resistance. Omega-3 has shown to reduce symptoms of metabolic disease.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is also commonly found in Type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance. Omega-3 fatty acids have shown to effectively reduce liver fat and inflammation in people with NAFLD.
The best way to ensure effective and efficient omega-3 intake is to eat fatty fish two times per week. Try new recipes to include pilchard, tuna, sardines, salmon, and trout.
If you can’t eat fish, then you may want to consider taking an omega-3 supplement.
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