More OMEGA-3’s Please!

If you’re a serious bodybuilder, you’d better be taking an omega-3 fatty acid supplement. And if you aren’t, you need to ask yourself “why not?” A ton of studies have been done on omega-3 fatty acids, almost all of which have shown tremendous benefits, including better cell health, higher testosterone levels and lower levels of inflammation. Now a new study has discovered the actual mechanisms by which omega-3 fatty acids exert their effects.

Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh looked at the effects of omega-3 supplementation on inflamed body tissues. They discovered several specialized types of previously unknown inflammation mediators and modified these to interact with proteins. They found that omega-3 fatty acids work by the same mechanism as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen without the negative hormonal effects seen with ibuprofen use, such as estrogen increases.

The researchers concluded that evidence is increasing that omega-3 fatty acids are so powerful at reducing inflammation that they should be considered for treatment in inflammation-related diseases! For the first time, we have proof that omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation via the same mechanism as traditional pharmaceutical NSAIDs.

So here’s your FUSION FACTOID: If you aren’t using an omega-3 supplement, you should be. Omega-3 fatty acids not only strengthen your cells and support optimal testosterone production but also dramatically reduce inflammation via the same mechanism as NSAIDs. So, the next time you’re tired and sore after a hard training session, think twice about taking that ibuprofen – it’ll just crush your testosterone – and reach for the omega-3 fatty acids instead!

Source: Groeger AL, Cipollina C, Cole MP, et al. Cyclooxygenase-2 generates anti-inflammatory mediators from omega-3 fatty acids. Nature Chemical Biology.