High Levels Of Omega-3 Intake Seem To Protect Obese Eskimos From Heart Disease Risk

U.S. researchers who studied the dietary patterns and health profiles of Yup’ik Eskimos in Alaska have found a beneficial correlation between their consumption of fatty fish and low rates of obesity-related chronic diseases, including diabetes and heart disease, despite similar rates of obesity and overweight. Yup’ik Eskimos consume 20 times more omega-3 fats from fish than other Americans, researchers said. Seventy percent of the 330 people studied were overweight or obese. Those who had lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA) in their blood had higher concentrations of triglycerides and other markers of heart disease risk. But obese persons with high blood levels of omega-3 fats had normal triglyceride levels, suggesting that intake of omega-3-rich seafood protects Yup’ik Eskios from some of the harmful effects of obesity.