Omega-3 linked to better lungs

A new medical study suggests that omega-3 fatty acids may do more than protect the heart and brain.

Researchers say these healthy fats could also help keep the lungs working well for a longer time by slowing the natural decline in lung function.

Omega-3 fatty acids are found in foods such as oily fish, fish oil supplements walnuts, flaxseeds chia seeds vegetable oils and fortified foods. They are already known for their anti inflammatory effects and may help lower the risk of heart disease stroke and some types of cancer.

Now scientists believe they may also play an important role in supporting lung health.

The study was published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.

The research was led by Dr. Patricia A. Cassano from Cornell University in New York.

She explained that while many studies have looked at how diet affects heart disease and cancer much less research has focused on how nutrition influences lung health.

To explore this researchers carried out two separate studies. The first study followed 15,063 adults in the United States with an average age of 56.

Most participants were healthy and had no diagnosed lung disease when the study began. They were monitored for between seven and 20 years.

Researchers found that people with higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids in their blood experienced a slower decline in lung function over time.

In the second study scientists analyzed genetic data from more than 500,000 people in Europe.

They examined genetic markers linked to omega-3 levels in the blood and found the same pattern. Higher omega-3 levels were associated with better lung function and healthier lungs.

Although the findings are encouraging experts say omega-3 supplements should not be seen as a cure or a replacement for medical treatment.

A balanced diet regular exercise avoiding smoking and following medical advice remain the best ways to protect lung health.