Why are omega-3 is not worth spending money
Educational Program Health / / December 19, 2019
What do we know about omega-3
Omega-3 - one of the pillars of a healthy diet.
The utility of these compounds has long been no one in doubt. They are believed to reduce blood pressure and risk of heart disease, accelerate metabolism, fight the "bad" cholesterol... In general, are simply irreplaceable.
And literally irreplaceable. These fatty acids can not be synthesizedOmega-3 Fatty Acids the body itself. That is why it is important to get them from food.
This indispensable status omega-3 firmly accustomed in diet and even have been madeA fish a day, keeps the cardiologist away! - A review of the effect of omega-3 fatty acids in the cardiovascular system in international medical recommendations for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. dozens of supporting this research were conducted.
Only recently it was found out that the study is not so accurate.
What is wrong with omega-3
Not that scientists specifically introduced the world astray. Rather, they are sincerely mistaken themselves.
Conducted earlier studies were the so-called supervisory character. Scientists noticed that the representatives of the "fish" communities, such as the Greenland EskimosHistorical overview of n-3 fatty acids and coronary heart disease. or a number of ethnic groups in QuebecFish consumption and blood lipids in three ethnic groups of Québec (Canada)., The frequency of heart disease is lower and life expectancy higher than the average for mankind. The basis of the diet of those communities, as understood from the definition of fat sea fish. Therefore, researchers have suggested that all the matter contained in fish Omega-3.
Other possible causes - the same healthier and more active lifestyle, who are representatives similar communities, absence of bad habits, or just a good environment - were simply dropped from accounts.
To a full systematic analysis of the hands of science have come only recently. The reviewOmega-3 fatty acids for the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease Cochrane mentioned 79 randomized controlled trials, which involved a total of 112 059 volunteers.
A small digression. Such studies - the foundation of modern evidence-based medicine. They exclude any coincidences. A situation where in one group all eat fish and lead an active lifestyle (as in "fish" communities), and in another - entirely residents nerve polluted cities are impossible. All categories of people - both active and nervous, and smokingAnd rybolyubov - divided into control groups approximately equal.
Most of these studies compared the risk of cardiovascular disease in patients taking supplements with omega-3 or lean on products with a high content of fatty acids (fish oil, hazel nuts, vegetable oils, in particular linseed) and those who received placebo or ignored Omega-3. Volunteers for state doctors observed from 12 to 72 months. And did not notice the difference.
It turns out, omega-3 does not prolong life or improve the condition of the heart and blood vessels, as previously thought.
Does this mean that you can not take omega-3
Let's say that stunned scientists are thinking about it.
The official website of published CochraneScientific expert reaction to Cochrane Review on omega-3 fatty acids the reaction of the world's biggest experts on the news that the omega-3 proved to be hollow. Some quotes are impressive.
Supplementation with omega-3 there are quite a lot. My advice to anyone who buys them in the hope of reducing the risk of heart diseases: rather spend their money on vegetables.
Tim Chico (Tim Chico), professor of cardiovascular medicine and honorary consultant cardiologist at the University of Sheffield (UK)
Do not trust the Cochrane systematic analysis no reason. But to write off accounts acid omega-3, in general, also not worth it.
First, studies in the Cochrane review concerns only the link between omega-3 and the health of the cardiovascular system. Other possible beneficial properties17 Science-Based Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids These fatty acids have been studied as thoroughly.
Today, it is believed that omega-3 technique relieves depression, reduces the risk of mental disorders, Fights inflammation and autoimmune diseases... And maybe it is. Until it is proven otherwise.
Second, it is normal, when the emergence of new data compels physicians to revise the old recommendations. But it is possible that will feature no less authoritative studies that justify the omega-3. In the sense - again confirm the effectiveness of reception of these fatty acids for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
However, while there are no such data. So, buying supplements with omega-3, and specifically to enter into the diet of marine fish and nuts, in the hope to take care of the heart and long life, it is meaningless. Better, really, spend money on vegetables.
By the way, in the usual potatoes also have omega-3. So without essential fatty acids, you will not stay.
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