Omega-3 may improve blood pressure during weight loss

Consumption of fatty fish like salmon, or fish oil supplements, may reduce blood pressure during an energy-restricted diet, suggests a pan-European study.

The blood pressure reducing benefits of salmon and fish oil were especially noticeable in people with initially low levels of docosahexanoic acid (DHA) in their cell membranes, according to findings published online ahead of print inNutrition.

Over 300 young overweight individuals were followed for eight weeks by researchers from the University of Iceland, the University of Navarra, University College Cork, and the Portuguese National Research Institute on Agriculture and Fisheries Research in Lisbon.

Omega-3 has been identified as one of the super-nutrients taking the food and supplements industry by storm. Much of its healthy reputation that is seeping into consumer consciousness is based largely on evidence that it can aid cognitive function and may help protect the heart against cardiovascular disease.

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