Two portions of oily fish a week could reverse the damage caused by a junk food diet, say scientists.
The new research shows eating fish such as mackerel, salmon and pilchards twice a week can clear up serious problems caused to the body’s immune system by obesity.
It’s known that obesity can wreak havoc on the immune system, leading to potentially life-threatening conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, cancer, and stroke. The affects are similar to those caused by aging.
In tests, overweight mice were given omega-3 fatty acids, found in mackerel, sardines and salmon.
The supplement was found to reduce adverse effects. The team at Liverpool john Moores University suggested food manufacturers enrich products with fatty acids.
Study author Dr. Fatima Perez De Heredia added: “The Mediterranean diet of two fish portions a week is a good place to start.”
“It is not clear whether you could still receive the benefits of these supplements if you are still overweight.
“This could be the case for some people, but for others, they may have to lose the weight to get these benefits.”
The findings were published in the journal Experimental Physiology.