Gabe Mirkin, M.D.
Metabolic syndrome, or syndrome X, means you have
any three of the following: abdominal obesity, high triglycerides,
low HDL cholesterol, high blood sugar or high blood pressure.
Researchers in Brussels, Belgium found that people who suffer
from the metabolic syndrome should increase their intake of
omega-3 fatty acids found in seafood, seeds and many
vegetables. (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, June 2006).
Omega-3 fatty acids help to reduce the amount of fat in
the liver and muscles. Excess fat in the liver prevents the liver
from removing insulin from your bloodstream, causing high blood
insulin levels and leading to diabetes. Omega-3 fatty acids lower
blood levels of triglycerides, and lowering triglycerides raises
blood levels of the good HDL cholesterol. Omega-3s also lower
the fraction of heart attack causing small, dense LDL cholesterol.
They also reduce inflammation and clotting, widen arteries and
lower high blood pressure. That’s why most doctors recommend
a Mediterranean type of diet that includes plenty of fish,
vegetables, beans, nuts and other seeds.
June 15, 2006