Fish Oil Helps Diabetic Women Trim Body Fat And Lower Cholesterol
Omega-3 fish oil has been touted as a “super hero” in the prevention of cardiovascular problems like high blood pressure or high cholesterol, blood clots and clogging of arteries. Now a small study from France suggests that omega-3’s may help women with type 2 diabetes reduce their body fat as well as fend off heart-threatening conditions.
Omega-3 fatty acids are considered “essential fats” because our bodies cannot manufacture them. Instead they must be provided in our diet by cold-water fish like mackerel, tuna, salmon and sardines or in vegetarian foods such as soybeans, walnuts, flax seed oil and tofu.
Women with type 2 diabetes have trouble managing blood sugar levels because their bodies respond poorly to insulin, the hormone that controls the transport and use of the blood sugar glucose. Studies have shown that excess fat around the midsection (the “apple” versus “pear” shape) contributes to insulin problems, general inflammation and an increased risk for both diabetes and heart disease.
