Omega-3 acids minimize the physical damage caused by smoking
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Omega-3 fatty acids are able to minimize the physical damage caused by smoking, say scientists from the Medical School at the Athens Institute (Greece).
Scientists analyzed how a four-week intake of Omega-3 fatty acids (2 grams per day) is reflected on the arterial walls of smokers. It was found that even short-term treatment improves the elasticity of the walls of the arteries and weakens the negative effect of smoking on the elasticity of the vessels.
According to the authors of the work, this confirms that Omega-3 fatty acids reduce the harmful effect of smoking on the arterial function, which is an independent prognostic marker of the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
The American Heart Association advises people who do not suffer from coronary heart disease to eat a variety of fish (preferably fatty - it contains many Omega-3 acids) at least 2 times a week. And the World Cardiological Federation strongly recommends that smokers immediately say goodbye to their bad habit; The only way to protect the body from the harmful effects of cigarettes is to stop smoking, scientists suggest.
The results of the study were announced at the Global Cardiology Congress, which was held in Dubai (UAE) from 18 to 21 April 2012.
Among other things it is confirmed that fatty acids control the biological clock of human aging, preventing shortening of telomeres of chromosomes. Also, Omega-3 can reduce the risk of developing malignant intestinal tumors (by 40%) and can help to avoid accumulation of amyloid protein in the brain of patients with Alzheimer's disease. However, representatives of the stronger sex should be more careful with Omega-3 acids, because a high concentration of DHA in the blood can increase the risk of developing aggressive prostate cancer.
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