Certain fats lower the risk for diabetes.

There are numerous studies documenting the health benefits of omega 3 fatty acids. However some estimates using food frequency questionnaires have associated omega 3 fat with a higher incidence of diabetes.

The research reviewed investigated for that reason the relationship between omega 3 fatty acid measurements in 3,088 men and women and the incident of diabetes (Djousse L, et al. 2011). The average follow up time was 10.6 years.

The researchers concluded that when objective biomarkers of omega 3 fatty acids were used it was not associated with a higher incidence of diabetes. Instead it was found that individual with the highest concentration of alpha linoleic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) had a lower risk for diabetes.

EPA and DHA is the active ingredients in fish oil. ALA is found in flax seeds and is converted by the body to EPA, DHA

Both fish oil and flax seeds are very healthy. It is however easier to increase the level of EPA and DHA in the body by taking fish oil since the conversion of ALA in flax seed to EPA, DHA is not that efficient.

Flax seeds are very good for other reasons. Grind raw whole flax seeds in a coffee grinder for approximately 10 seconds and use 2 tablespoons twice daily. This is beneficial for the gastrointestinal tract and the lignans in the shells can also help to convert estrogen to healthier metabolites.

For fish oil, use capsules and a product which has high levels of EPA, DHA like the “Better Fish Oil.”