According to a new study, omega-3 fatty acids can help prevent the negative effects of air pollution. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in a variety of foods such as spinach, soy beans, and oily fish.
In the study, scientists exposed mice to fine particulate matter before putting some mice on a diet enriched with omega-3 fatty acids. It was found that mice taking the supplement could prevent and decrease inflammation from the toxin.
The study is important because scientists discovered traces of fine particulate matter in the kidney, liver, brain, lungs and spleen in rodents that were exposed to the pollutant, The Guardian reported. As a consequence, the mice had more inflammation and greater levels of oxidative stress.
Earlier, it was believed that the matter was not able to penetrate into organs other than the lungs. The World Health Organization reported that three million deaths are linked to air pollution and 92 percent of the population in the world experience pollution that surpasses WHO limits.
Other Benefits of Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Help Fight Depression
Depression is one of the world's most common mental disorders. General loss of interest in life, lethargy, and sadness are some of the symptoms of depression.
Also, anxiety, which is the most common disorder, is characterized by nervousness and constant worry. Studies have shown that individuals who consume omega-3s on a daily basis are less likely to be depressed.
Furthermore, when individuals with anxiety or depression begin taking omega-3 supplements, they tend to get better.
Help Improve Eye Health
DHA, a kind of omega-3, is a main structural component of the retina of the eye and brain. When people do not get sufficient DHA, they may experience eye problems. Getting sufficient omega-3 has been associated with a decreased risk of macular degeneration. Macular degeneration is one of the leading causes of blindness and permanent eye damage in the world.