Diet Rich In Omega-3 Fatty Acids Lowers Risk Of Arterial Inflammation, Atherosclerosis

Scientists at Columbia University working in  mice have found that a diet high in saturated fat increases the levels of an enzyme that has been linked to inflammation and hardening of the arteries. The enzyme, endothelial lipase (EL), plays a role in the metabolism of blood lipoproteins. For the study, mouse models of atherosclerosis were fed a diet enriched with either the saturated fat palmitic acid or a polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acid found in fish oil and other foods. After three weeks, the aortas of the mice fed saturated fat showed a significant increase in EL, as well as inflammation. Mice fed omega-3 fatty acids showed less EL and more beneficial changes in inflammation.