Foods rich in healthy fats, such as fish and nuts, can help the body prevent the onset of chronic lung disease, according to a recent study.
In a small Japanese study, researchers noticed that the implementation of omega-3 fats into a subject's diet drastically reduces the effects of chronic lung disease in diagnosed patients.
The study split 64 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) into two groups: one that consumed omega-3 fats in a daily liquid supplement and the control group who drank common omega-6 fats, which are fats found in vegetable oils. After the two-year follow-up, the research team noticed a considerable gain in the omega-3 subject group's lung capacity and function. Similarly, the blood of the omega-3 group contained lowered amounts of inflammatory proteins.
Much has been made concerning the heart benefits of omega-3 fats, as their anti-inflammatory compounds help ward off heart disease. Researchers believe that these same anti-inflammatory compounds curb chronic lung disease due to the fact that lung inflammation is a contributing factor to many pulmonary diseases.
The study also noted how each dose of omega-3 fat was within the nutritional parameters recommended by the American Heart Association as too much fat in one's diet can negatively impact one's health.
