Omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial to your health in several ways. These should be an essential part of your diet and play a role in boosting your overall health including your brain. Omega-3 fatty acids are well known for improving heart health. According to studies, adding enough omega-3 to diet can help reduce the risk of heart disease. These heathy fats can also help fight the symptoms of depression and anxiety. A recent study revealed the link between omega-3 fatty acids and asthma risk. Keep reading to understand the link.
Asthma and omega-3 fatty acids: What is the link?
According a recent study, higher dietary consumption of long chain omega-3 fatty acids during childhood, the risk of developing subsequent asthma reduces in children carrying a common gene variant.
Long chain omega-3 intake from fish was not associated with asthma in the cohort as a whole (4,543 people). However, the team looked in more detail at children with a particular genetic make-up. More than half of the children carried a common variant in the fatty acid desaturase (FADS) gene which is associated with lower levels of long chain omega-3 fatty acids in the blood. In these children, a higher dietary intake of long chain omega-3 fatty acids was associated with a lower risk of asthma. The risk was 51 per cent lower, comparing those in the top quartile of long chain omega-3 intake with those in the bottom quartile.
Asthma can lead to breathing difficulty and coughing
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There is need of more studies to elaborate whether higher intake is also associated with a lower risk of exacerbations in children who already have asthma.
Food sources of omega-3 fatty acids
Fatty fishes are considered as the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Plant based sources of omega-3 fatty acids are - seeds (chia seeds, hemp seeds and flaxseeds), walnuts, Brussels sprouts, soybean oil and edamame. Seek advice from expert before adding supplements to your diet.
(With inputs from ANI)
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