Omega-3 ‘can mitigate physical harm caused by smoking’

Increased consumption of omega-3 fatty acids can help to reduce the physical harm caused by smoking, according to new research from Greece.

Data has been presented at the World Congress of Cardiology from a four-week study assessing the impact of a daily oral dose of omega-3 fatty acids on the arterial wall properties of cigarette smokers.

It was found that this short-term treatment regime was associated with an improvement in arterial stiffness, while the impairment of vascular elastic properties among smokers was also mitigated.

Dr Gerasimos Siasos of the University of Athens Medical School said: "The cardioprotective effects of omega-3 fatty acids appear to be due to a synergism between multiple intricate mechanisms involving anti-inflammatory and anti-atherosclerotic effects."

Researchers added that these conclusions further support the benefits of consuming foods rich in omega-3, such as oily fish.

This comes after a study from the University of Rochester in New York earlier this month suggested that omega-3 can also help to combat the symptoms of depression.