If you hadn’t already heard, the right kinds of fats are an absolute must to a healthy diet.  Below are three studies looking at various benefits healthy fats provide.  See how these nutrients promote better lipid profiles, lower blood pressure, sugar, and inflammation.

Pycnogenol

Doctors are beginning to link three factors to heart disease: inflammation, oxidative stress, and blood vessel flexibility. In this study, doctors asked 93 people with borderline conditions of high blood pressure, sugar, or lipids, to follow the best available management to control their symptoms while reducing carbohydrates, caffeine, and sodium, and exercising daily. Half of those in each group also took 150 mg of Pycnogenol® per day.

After 12 weeks, both groups saw blood pressure, fasting blood sugar, and cholesterol levels return to normal, with slightly better results for Pycnogenol. For blood vessel flexibility and oxidative stress, while there were no changes for those who did not take Pycnogenol, those who did saw a 66 percent improvement in blood vessel flexibility and a 20 percent improvement in signs of oxidative stress.

Omega-7 – the new good fat

Early studies of omega-7, or palmitoleic acid, have found lipid and inflammation benefits. In this first placebo-controlled study, 30 adults with abnormal lipid levels and mild systemic inflammation took 220.5 mg of omega-7 per day or a placebo while maintaining their regular diets.

After 30 days, compared to the start of the study, those taking omega-7 saw the inflammatory factor high-sensitivity C-reactive protein decline by 44 percent, triglyceride levels decline by 15 percent, and LDL—the “bad” cholesterol—levels drop by 8 percent. HDL—the “good” cholesterol—levels increased by 5 percent compared to placebo.

Doctors see omega-7 fatty acids as a new good fat that helps control and metabolize lipids, and keeps them from accumulating in the liver.

Reference: International Angiology; 2015, Vol. 34, No. 1, 43-52

Better Lipids with Salmon Oil

Lipids store energy in the body, but oxidation can degrade these fat-like molecules, increasing chances for health problems. In this study, 160 healthy adults took 3 or 6 grams of salmon oil along with a multivitamin, or 6 grams of salmon oil alone, per day. One gram of salmon oil provided 80 mg each of EPA and DHA. After 16 weeks, while there was no change in the 3-gram group, both 6-gram salmon oil groups had significantly lower levels of oxidized lipid byproducts. As signs of oxidation decreased, polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) levels in red blood cells increased, suggesting salmon oil may help preserve health.

Reference: Journal of Functional Foods; November, 2014, Published Online

Betsy’s Note: The supplements mentioned in this article also thin blood.  They may also affect blood pressure and blood sugar. This article is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to treat, diagnose, prevent or cure any disease.  These statements have not been evaluated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Consult your healthcare provider.

Article copyright 2015 by Natural Insights for Well Being. All rights reserved.  Used with permission.