Benefits Of Fatty Acids on Arteries and Nerves

Hi ya! Great to see you! Thanks for clicking by. Amazing timing, too, I must say. Madge just refreshed the coffee (every 14 minutes and 39 seconds) and brought out a delightful assortment of virtual doughnuts, muffins and pastries upon which to feast so go to it, eh! Say, most of us know that fish is good for us, right? Fish oil helps all kinds of things.

Fish are generally rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have shown benefit in many health areas such as helping to prevent mental illness and delaying some of the disabilities associated with aging. Eating tuna, sardines, salmon and other cold water fish appears to protect people against clogged arteries. Omega-3 fatty acids can also lower triglycerides, a type of fat often found in the bloodstream.

A diet rich in fish oils can prevent the accumulation of fat in the aorta, the main artery leaving the heart. The beneficial actions of fish oil that block cholesterol buildup in arteries are even found at high fat intakes.

Now, research from Queen Mary, University of London suggests that omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil, have the potential to protect nerves from injury and help them to regenerate. When nerves are damaged because of an accident or injury, patients experience pain, weakness and muscle paralysis which can leave them disabled, and recovery rates are poor.

In the new study, researchers first looked at isolated mouse nerve cells. They simulated the type of damage caused by accident or injury, by either stretching the cells or starving them of oxygen. Both types of damage killed a significant number of nerve cells but enrichment with omega-3 fatty acids in cells gave them significant protection and decreased cell death.

Next the researchers studied the sciatic nerves of mice. They found that a high level of omega-3 fatty acids helped mice to recover from sciatic nerve injury more quickly and more fully, and that their muscles were less likely to waste following nerve damage.

If you're like me with damaged peripheral nerves or you know someone who has that condition, there appears to be a light at the end of the tunnel. We just have to hope it's not a train coming the other way, eh! But many scientists are working on how to get nerves to regenerate so, hey, if anyone in government is reading this, give those guys some more funding. I'll supply the virtual banana cream doughnuts for energy!

See ya, eh!

Bob