Study: Omega-3s May Improve Lung Health

Want to improve your lung health? Something as simple as adding more omega-3s to your diet may be the answer. Not to be confused with omega-6s, they have anti-inflammatory properties. While omega-3s have been known to lower bad cholesterol and protect against heart disease, however, a new study suggests that they may improve lung health as well.

What Are Omega-3s

Omega-3s are fatty acids that come from food sources. They are commonly found in fish, nuts and olive oil. The three primary types of omega-3s include the following:

1. Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
2. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
3. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)

About the Study

According to a study sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), omega-3s may improve lung health. For the study, researchers analyzed the health data of over 15,000 Americans. Researchers found that participants who regularly consumed omega-3s had better lung function than their counterparts.

The Health Benefits of Omega-3s

Why are omega-3s good for your lungs exactly? While the study only revealed a correlation between omega-3s and improved lung function, the beneficial properties of omega-3s could be attributed to their anti-inflammatory effects.

Omega-3s reduce inflammation in the body. Inflammation can occur from trauma or injury, or it can occur from disease. There are ways to reduce inflammation, however, such as consuming more omega-3s

Omega-6s have the opposite effect. While also available in food, omega-6s promote inflammation in the body. Omega-3s, on the other hand, reduce inflammation in the body. They counter inflammation in the muscles and organs, including the lungs, while subsequently promoting better health.

Omega-3s have also been shown to improve eye health. Adequate intake of omega-3s may reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration, which is just one more reason you should add them to your diet.

You can improve your heart health by increasing your intake of omega-3s. Heart disease currently ranks as the leading cause of death in the United States. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 610,000 Americans die from heart disease each year. There are ways to lower your risk of heart disease, though. Increasing your intake of omega-3s, for instance, may strengthen your heart and protect it from disease.

In Conclusion

We're still learning more and more about the health benefits of omega-3s. One of the latest studies suggests that these polyunsaturated fats may improve lung health. Whether you're looking to lower your risk of heart disease or improve your lung function, you should consider adding more omega-3s to your diet.