SYDNEY - Fatty acids found in fish, known to slow the impact of ageing on
human brain, can also help in weight loss when consumed alongwith moderate
exercise, and Australian study found.
The University of South Australia study found that daily doses of fish oil
containing Omega-3 fatty acids helped obese people burn off excess weight.
"The Omega-3 found in fish oil increases fat-burning ability by improving the
flow of blood to muscles during exercise," university researcher Alison Hill
told Reuters.
The university's study monitored 68 overweight and obese people, divided into
four groups, over three months.
One group took small daily doses of fish oil and another was given sunflower
oil with no other alteration to their normal diet.
Both groups undertook moderate exercise programmes of a 45-minute walk or run
three times a week over the period and were monitored over three months.
Another two groups received either fish oil or sunflower oil but did no
exercise.
The study found that those who took the fish oil doses and exercised lost an
average of 2 kg (4.5 lb) over the three months.
The groups which took sunflower oil, which does not contain Omega-3 fatty
acids, and exercised, did not lose any weight. The two groups which did no
exercise also lost no weight, the study found.
"We were very surprised to see it was so effective, especially since these
people were still eating whatever they wanted," Hill said.
A six-year study by the Rush University Medical Center in Chicago found last
year that Omega-3 fatty acids helped boost brain functioning as well as cut the
risk of stroke.
It also helped protect the brain as people age, the Chicago study found.
Hill said future studies were planned which would take place over longer
periods and with increased exercise.
