Why Omega-3 Fish Oil Supplements Could Lower Heart Attack Risk

Article By Catharine Paddock (Ph.D.)

 Taking omega-3 fish oil supplements every day may reduce the risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular events, including death. However, it may not protect against stroke.

According to a new meta-analysis of recent clinical trial data, taking daily omega-3 supplements could protect against heart attacks.
These were the findings of an updated meta-analysis that pooled data from 13 trials involving more than 125,000 participants.

Previously pooled analyses have yielded mixed results on whether daily omega-3 fish oil supplements can reduce heart risks.

However, the new study included data from three large scale recently completed trials, which increased the number of participants by 64%.

The inclusion of the new data had a "substantial influence on the available evidence," note the authors in a recent Journal of the American Heart Association paper about the study.

"This meta-analysis," says first study author Yang Hu, Ph.D., of the Department of Nutrition at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston, MA, "provides the most up-to-date evidence regarding the effects of omega-3 supplementation on risk of multiple [cardiovascular disease] outcomes."


An 8% reduction in risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular events may seem modest to individuals.

However, Hu and colleagues point out that since these events affect millions of people worldwide every year, even a modest risk reduction can mean hundreds of thousands fewer heart attacks and premature deaths.

Role and sources of omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are one of the two main types of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), the other being omega-6.

Fatty acids have many vital roles in the body. They are essential components of the fat molecules that form cell walls. They also help to produce energy and make molecules called eicosanoids that perform signaling functions in many body processes, including the cardiovascular system.

In research, scientists focus on three types of omega-3: alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).

The body cannot make ALA and has to obtain what it needs from dietary sources, such as soybean, flaxseed, and canola oil.

Although the body can make DHA and EPA from ALA in the liver, the amounts are small and, therefore, it must get them from the diet, too.

Fish and fish oils are rich sources of DHA and EPA. The fish do not produce these two omega-3s but get them from eating phytoplankton that have ingested the microalgae that produce DHA and EPA.


Dietary supplements can contain a range of omega-3 fatty acids, including ALA, DHA, and EPA. Fish oil is the main source of DHA and EPA, although there are vegetarian products that source these from algal oil.

It is important to check labels on dietary supplements as their formulations of omega-3s can vary widely.

New study used much larger dataset
In their study background, the researchers review how the evidence stood before their recent analysis.

Whether omega-3 supplements reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease "is the subject of intense debate," they note.

While observational studies have consistently tied higher fish consumption to a reduced risk of heart disease, these benefits have not surfaced in randomized clinical trials.

These clinical trials have tested marine, or fish derived, omega-3 supplementation — primarily as a moderate dose of EPA and DHA compared with placebo — and produced "largely null results."

The new study is different in that, by adding data from three new large scale clinical trials, it increases the sample size by more than half across all 13 datasets.

The new analysis pooled data on a total of 127,477 participants of average age 64 years at baseline and 60% male. The average body mass index (BMI) was 28, and the average duration of supplementation was 5 years.

Although the omega‐3 supplementation dose ranged from 376 to 4,000 milligrams per day (mg/d), most of the trials used doses of 850 mg/d or higher. However, the "relative proportion of EPA and [DHA] varied among different trials," note the authors.

'Dose-response' effect
The analysis revealed that those who took omega-3 fish oil supplements every day had a lower risk for most cardiovascular disease conditions compared with those taking a placebo. There was no benefit, however, for stroke.

The conditions that omega-3 supplements appeared to protect against include heart attack, death from coronary heart disease, and death from cardiovascular disease. The risk fell by 8% for heart attack and death from coronary heart disease.

The researchers observed that there was a link between higher doses of omega-3 fish oil supplements and greater reductions in risk.

These results may suggest that taking omega-3 fish oil supplements above the 840 mg/d that most of the randomized clinical trials tested could lead to an even more significant reduction in risk of cardiovascular disease.

"We found significant protective effects of daily omega-3 supplementation against most [cardiovascular disease] outcome risks, and the associations appeared to be in a dose response manner."

Yang Hu, Ph.D.

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Why Poor Diets May Lead To Depression

Australian researchers said the consumption of poor diets  by young adults could result in moderate-to-high symptoms of depression.



According to the findings of a study of young adults published in the journal ‘PLOS ONE,’ those who embraced healthier food choices reported less anxiety and much better moods within weeks.


Study lead author, Heather Francis, said: “There is certainly evidence that eating a diet high in processed foods increases the risk of depression.” Francis is a lecturer in neuropsychology at Macquarie University in Sydney.



Explaining the link between poor diet and depression, Francis said, “Depression is associated with a chronic inflammatory response, and poor diet both increases systemic inflammation and is also a risk factor for depression.”

Depression, a major depressive disorder is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act. Depression causes feelings of sadness and/or a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed.

Lead author of the study, Sylvie Mrug, professor and chair of the psychology department, said adolescents’ emotion regulation was still developing and it was possible that diet and other environmental factors have a strong impact on their depression levels.



According to Mrug, “Food such as fruits, vegetables and yogurt contain low levels of sodium and high amounts of potassium and should be encouraged as part of a teen’s daily diet.”

Although the studies show a potentially positive impact of healthy eating on symptoms of depression, researchers urged caution.

“While diet may be able to improve outcomes, at this stage we would not recommend that it replace medication,” said Francis.

The study involved 76 university students between 17 and 35 years of age. All were reported to have eaten a diet heavy in processed foods, sugar and saturated fats, while also reporting feelings of sadness, decreased ability to feel pleasure and lack of motivation in the previous week.

The ‘NewsmaxHealth’ published that half of the participants were coached to add fruit, vegetables, fish and olive oil to their diet and reduce processed foods. The others received no coaching and continued their regular diets.

After three weeks, the researchers found that those who consistently ate better reported much better moods. Their scores on a scale measuring depression levels were normal and they reported less anxiety than the regular diet group, whose depression levels remained in the “moderate to high” range.

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Why Men With Diabetes Should Avoid Scent Leaf

Several studies have shown that there is a rise in cases of diabetes globally with the attendant complications, including kidney damage, limb amputation, irreversible blindness, erectile dysfunction, hypertension to mention but a few.

Researchers have validated medicinal plants such as scent leaf (Ocimum basilicum), mistletoe (Viscum album), bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina), bitter kola (Garcinia kola), ginger and bitter gourd or melon (Mormodica charantia) for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and its related conditions.

But a new study has shown that men with diabetes should be cautious of taking herbal remedies for diabetes made with scent leaf, especially if they are already experiencing sexual upheavals such as decreased libido, impotence and infertility.

The new study titled “Ocimum gratissimum leaf extract may precipitate infertility in male diabetic Wistar rats” published in the journal JBRA Assisted Reproduction, suggested that men with diabetes should avoid herbal remedies that contain scent leaf.

The study involved Shittu S.T; Shittu S.A and Olatunji A.A at the Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan (Nigeria), in collaboration with Oyeyemi W.A at the Department of Physiology, Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State.

Commonly called scent leaf and basil, Ocimum basilicum is a shrub belonging to the family Lamiaceae. It is called Nchu-anwu in Igbo, Efinrin in Yoruba, Aramogbo in Edo and Daidoya in Hausa.

This study to investigate the effects of scent leaf on sperm quality and testes in alloxan-induced diabetic rats lasted for 28 days. Blood samples were obtained for tests as well as the epididymis and testes for sperm quality assessment.

They found that diabetes induces sperm impairments and distortions in the testis, which were aggravated by scent leaf extract in male Wistar rats.

Current pieces of evidence in normal rats and mice have documented that scent leaf may possess anti-fertility properties in a dose and duration-dependent manner.

Fasting blood glucose (FBG) was monitored at the start and at the end of the 28-day treatment. Fasting blood glucose level was significantly reduced after treatment.

Sperm count decreased significantly in scent leaf, diabetic untreated and diabetic treated rats when compared with the normal animals administered distilled water daily. The sperm count in the diabetic untreated group was significantly higher than the counts in the diabetic treated group.

The percentage of abnormal sperm was significantly increased in normal rats treated with scent leaf, diabetic untreated rats and diabetic rats treated with the scent leaf, when compared with the controls.

The researchers said that the decreased sperm count and increased percentage of abnormal sperm cells in all the scent leaf-treated animals of this study indicate that scent leaf poses anti-fertility effects on normal and diabetic rats.

According to them, “This is consistent with the report that aqueous extract of scent leaf has deleterious effects on both sperm production and maturation of sperm at different stages of its development.

“Nevertheless, impairment in these sperms parameters were also observed in the diabetic untreated group, it is more pronounced in the scent leaf-treated diabetic animals.

“It has debilitating effects on male fertility characterised by a reduction in sperm count, increased percentage of abnormal sperm and distortions in testes, which are worsened by diabetes mellitus. Thus, it is important to isolate the active hypoglycaemic component of scent leaf to harness its beneficial usage in diabetes mellitus.”

The global use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for the management of diseases such as diabetes has rapidly increased over the last decade. It is reported that up to 72.8 per cent of people with diabetes used herbal medicine, dietary supplements and other CAM therapies.

A large number of medicinal plants are believed to possess anti-diabetic properties and have been utilised to manage diabetes and its related conditions.

In animal studies, researchers, for instance, highlighted the possibility of reduced side effects of antidiabetics (due to the lower dose required) when used in combination with ginger extract. In addition, ginger has been shown to be protective against kidney damage arising from the use of metformin.

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Poisonous Tomato Paste In Nigerian Market - Customs Warns

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has raised the alarm over the importation of expired and low quality tomato paste from Iran.

It warned that the expired product was injurious to health and mandated all concerned officers of the service to do all within their power to retrieve the product from circulation.

In a memo dated July 5, 2019 and tagged, “Re: Importation of expired Iranian Tomato paste”, obtained by Natural Health Daily yesterday, the Comptroller General of the service, Col. Hameed Ali (rtd) directed all Customs Area Comptrollers, head of the Federal Operations Units and head of units at all seaports, airports and land borders to be at alert.

The memo which was signed by the Deputy Comptroller General, Tariff and Trade, Isa Talatu, directed strict compliance by the service heads.

The memo reads, “It has been reported that six containers of expired and low quality Iranian tomato paste , SHIRIN ASAL MY TOMATO, with brix 20-22 instead of the recommended brix 27-29, has been imported into the country by M.T.V investment limited.

“Consumption of the paste is said to be harmful to human health. Consequently, all CACs are directed to  put appropriate mechanism in place to debar entry of the said paste and liaise with relevant agencies to forestall distribution and consumption.”

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How Plantain Can Lift Your Mood

Emotions are a delicate phenomenon that can affect the whole livelihood, yet to control them is quite difficult. Many people have devised ways such as consumption of alcohol, hard drugs and foods like dark chocolate to help them control their emotions.

Experts have long known that dark bananas may help reduce fear and anxiety. Now, research suggests that consumption of plantain diet can also reduce fear and anxiety. It increases the level of brain serotonin which may have facilitated the calming, relaxing and mellowing serotonin circuits.

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps to feel happier and calmer, which is why many antidepressants are designed to increase levels of serotonin in the brain.

To investigate the effect of consumption of unripe plantain on fear and anxiety behaviour, three groups of mice were fed with diet containing 100 per cent, 50 per cent and zero per cent (control) unripe plantain. The feedings lasted for 30 days before fear and anxiety behaviour was studied in these animals.

The light/dark transition box was used to assess anxiety and fear-related behaviours in the groups of mice.  This is a test that assesses unconditioned anxiety and exploratory behaviours. It is based on the perceived conflict in mice between exploring in a novel environment and avoidance of bright light.

A preliminary investigation of the concentration of serotonin in the brains of the mice using High Performance Liquid Chromatography shows that serotonin is significantly higher in the 100 per cent plantain diet group than control.

The 2018 study published in Tropical Journal of Natural Products Research involved Peter Erigbali at the Niger Delta University, Bayelsa State in collaboration with Eme Osim and Ofem Ofem from the University of Calabar.

Plantain is one of the over 40 species of the genus musa. This food crop is generally eaten cooked, fried, roasted ripe or unripe in contrast to the soft, sweet banana, which is of the same genus but eaten raw when ripe.

Plantain is affordable and readily available all year round in areas where it is cultivated. This staple diet in many countries of the world is rich in carbohydrates and fibre but lacks cholesterol. It contains vitamins A, B6, C and minerals; potassium, magnesium among others.

The parts of the plant has been used traditionally for their medicinal value in many ailments such as peptic ulcers, hypertension, diarrhoea, dysentery, and diabetes.

The science behind food’s effect on happiness is based on evidence that dietary changes can bring about changes in our brain chemistry – altering the hormones responsible for controlling our mood. This is where the so-called happiness hormone, serotonin, comes into play.

In the study, the researchers said that this staple food can provide nourishment as well as contribute to the management of emotional problems, with fewer side effects than drugs.

For instance, there was less occurrence of depression in a research population that consumed Omega-3 fat. The alterations of brain chemistry led to a more balanced, clear and a joyful mental state that is associated with a varied, nutrient dense diet.

A 2015 study found fermented foods including yoghurt and fermented soy products reduced social anxiety in some young people, while multiple studies found consuming healthful bacteria increased happiness in some people.

Green tea contains an amino acid called theanine, which is receiving increasing scrutiny due to its potential effects on mood disorders. Theanine has anti-anxiety and calming effects and may increase the production of serotonin and dopamine.

A 2017 review found that 200 mg of theanine improved self-reported relaxation and calmness while reducing tension in human trials.

Conversely, foods that interfere with its production – such as junk food and alcohol – can increase levels of anxiety and depression. This explains the finding of a survey by the Food and Mood project that changing their diet significantly improved the mental health in nearly 90 per cent of people who took part in the study.

Many people have explored various methods such as music, yoga, exercise and religion all of which are believed to affect the emotional state in one way or the other.

According to one study, some music cause positive emotion like happiness, some cause negative emotion like sadness and fear, but loud music could cause deafness.

Like herbal teas, many herbal supplements claim to reduce anxiety. However, little scientific evidence supports these claims. It is vital to work with a doctor who is knowledgeable about herbal supplements and their potential interactions with other drugs.

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Camel Milk Could Be Helpful In Asthma Treatment

Asthma is one of the most problematic diseases that affect both adults and children with diverse symptoms. Many things can trigger an attack in asthmatics.

Of particular note are inhalations of dust, especially when sweeping an enclosure, of smoke from frying or the burning of grass.

The symptoms of persons with asthma differ greatly in frequency and degree. Some have a mild cough and wheezing much of the time, punctuated by severely increased breathlessness following exposure to known allergens, viral infections, exercise, or non-specific irritants.

This study, which lends credence to the ethnomedicinal use of the leaves in asthma and cough, had evaluated its effect on coughing in guinea pigs and mice respectively. It also assessed for toxicity.

The doses of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg significantly reduced the cough bouts by two-fold and three folds respectively when compared to the control (distilled water).

Its cough  calming effect at 400 mg/kg was higher than that achieved with the standard drug, dihydrocodeine.

The researchers said that Napoleona vogelii contain substances that have a bronchodilatory effect which helps to reduce the volume of mucus that may plug the airways in persons with asthma.

The 2019 study, published in the journal, Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy involved Adesola A. Adejayan, Raymond I. Ozolua, Dickson O. Uwaya and Gerald I. Eze at the University of Benin in collaboration with Adaobi C. Ezike at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Cough is also, a respiratory disease that is caused by different factors, which sometimes co-exist with asthma. About 40 per cent of the persons with asthma reports cough. Oftentimes, drugs that help control cough re useful in asthma.

Napoleona vogelii is used in making wooden poles, wraps, chewing sticks and mats. The leaves are widely used in South-Eastern Nigeria for the treatment of stomach aches, diarrhoea and treatment of cough and asthma. Traditional healers often dry the leaves under the shade and prepare the extracts in alcohol.

Napoleona vogelii is called annum (Kanuri), ayin or orin-odan ainy (Yoruba), atara (Igbo) and kukunchi.

Previously, experts’ assessment of studies on the effectiveness of camel milk in lung inflammatory diseases said that camel milk could be helpful in the complementary treatment of asthma.

In the 2018 edition of Traditional Medicine Research, they had assessed all past studies on the effect of camel milk in lung inflammatory diseases.

According to them, “On the one hand, cow milk could lead to the occurrence of asthma. On the other hand, camel milk could be used to treat asthma via its effects of immunoregulation, antiinflammation and anti-oxygenation.”

Due to the natural nature of camel milk and its properties, and based on traditional properties of camel milk, it seems to be effective in asthma treatment, although this claim needs more extensive clinical studies in this field.

According to Persian medicine, the camel milk can remove the sticky phlegm in the respiratory airways prevent harmful substances from entering into the lungs and improve the airways stenosis.

Camel milk has some differences compared to other mammal’s milk. It contains low cholesterol and sugar and many minerals such as potassium, sodium, iron, copper, zinc and magnesium, as well as high levels of vitamin C, on the other hand, it has natural antioxidants.

Traditionally, this milk also could increase appetite and sexual desire. It was nutritious and had positive effects on skin beauty, teeth growth facilitating, maintaining the health of the elderly individuals, improving the liver and eye vision weakness and haemorrhoids.

Nonetheless, drinking camel milk may have complications like diarrhoea, and constipation.

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