For ages, there has been an ongoing debate regarding whether or not omega 3 fish oil is helpful for diabetes. Right off the bat, we’ve got the fact that the ADA (American Diabetes Association) considers omega 3-rich fatty fish such as salmon, herring, sardines, mackerel, and trout as “diabetes superfoods.” Therefore, expert suggests incorporating fatty fish into the diet for optimal health benefits. This also paves the way for omega 3 fish oil supplements’ potential to help people manage diabetes and its effects.
The Link Between Omega 3 Fish Oil And Type 2 Diabetes
Omega 3 is more than just a ‘feel-good’ supplement. Years and years of research have proven its efficacy for various vital organs and bodily systems. It targets your digestive tract and regulates metabolism. Also, omega 3 works wonders for heart health, from managing cholesterol to preventing artery blockages.
Therefore, it’s inevitable that it has some effects on diabetes. Though most research disregards the direct effect of omega 3 on diabetes, there’s enough evidence that some level of management is possible for reducing the risk of diabetes as well as managing effects during increased blood sugar levels.
Here are The Top 5 Ways Omega 3 Fish Oil Can Help Manage Diabetes.
May Improve Insulin Function
Recent research demonstrates that docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)—a kind of omega 3 fatty acid—can significantly enhance insulin function. In a study conducted over a period of three months, participants took daily DHA supplements. Results showed that these individuals experienced a noteworthy improvement in insulin sensitivity. This highlights the potential of omega 3 fish oil in improving the health of people susceptible to type 2 diabetes.
Other studies have established a strong correlation between fish oil consumption and reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. Scientists specifically emphasize the clinical investigations involving overweight individuals belonging to certain populations who mainly consume fish. The data from their surveys was surprising, to say the least.
Despite being overweight, an aspect that typically makes one prone to diabetes and heart disease, these individuals were unaffected. Upon diving deeper into their dietary habits, the abundant presence of omega 3s was obvious. Researchers came to the conclusion that this addition to the diet was the likely contributing factor to the absence of diabetes.
Moderately Increases Adiponectin Levels
Having higher levels of adiponectin in your bloodstream can lower your risk of developing diabetes. And omega 3 fatty acids have consistently shown positive effects on blood glucose control. Recent studies prove that consuming fish oil—rich in omega 3s—can lead to a moderate increase in adiponectin levels. These findings further confirm the potential advantages of incorporating fish oil into your diet for better glucose control.
Experts suggest that omega 3 fish is beneficial for individuals with prediabetes as well. Incorporating these softgels or capsules into a routine that includes regular physical exercise and a calorie-control diet can aid in reducing the risk of diabetes.
Speeds Up Metabolism For Better Digestion
Fish oil omega-3s have the potential to not only affect blood glucose levels but also boost metabolism. Your metabolism is the number of calories you burn daily, and certain foods increase the metabolic rate more than others. As your metabolic rate increases, you digest food more effectively. Hence, the glucose breakdown that occurs from the gut all the way to the point it enters your bloodstream occurs in a beneficial way.
A small study was conducted on the effect of fish oil, spanning 12 weeks, involving healthy young individuals who consumed 6 grams of fish oil daily. The results: there was an approximate 3.8% increase in the metabolic rates of these individuals.
In another recent study of healthy adults, there was an average 5.3% increase in metabolic rates after taking 3 grams of fish oil daily for 12 weeks. These results suggest that omega 3 fish oil can be credited with a faster metabolism, enabling you to burn more calories and manage blood sugar levels.
Helps Curb Appetite & Hunger
Omega 3 fish oil, has multiple benefits for prediabetic and diabetic people. One of the key ways it helps is by reducing hunger and appetite, as it regulates your body’s cravings. Therefore, it proves particularly advantageous for individuals with a sweet tooth.
In a study, individuals were divided into two groups. One group was given less than 0.3 grams of omega 3 fish oil daily, while the other group had more than 1.3 grams. The group that consumed higher amounts of fish oil reported feeling significantly fuller for up to two hours after a meal. This proves that curbing feelings of hunger is an indirect way of diabetes management.
Offers Diabetes-Related Cardiovascular Benefits
Omega 3 fish oil supplements possess the remarkable ability to reduce inflammation within the body. By combating inflammation, the fatty acids help safeguard your blood vessels from harm. This protection is crucial, as damage to blood vessels can potentially pave the way for heart disease and stroke.
Stay one step ahead and prioritize prevention by incorporating fish oil, a widely popular and beneficial supplement, into your routine. Omega 3 fish oil is particularly beneficial for individuals with diabetes who face an elevated risk of heart disease due to their condition.
Heart attacks and strokes are prevalent cardiovascular conditions in individuals with diabetes. Numerous researches show the impact of omega 3 fish oil consumption on cardiovascular diseases. More specifically, these studies explore the link between long-term fish oil usage and the prevention of cardiovascular issues in adults with diabetes and prediabetes—with positive results.
Bottom Line…
Taking supplements of omega 3 fish oil can be beneficial for individuals who are at risk of type 2 diabetes. These not only help manage the symptoms and effects of diabetes but also reduce the chances of diabetes-related heart problems.
Health experts recommend a daily intake of 0.6 grams of omega-3 fatty acids. However, it is important to note that if you are suffering from diabetes or prediabetes, you should not replace your medication with omega 3 fish oil, or any dietary supplement for that matter.