The Omega 3 fatty acids they are a healthy type of polyunsaturated fat for all of us. We need them, for example, to strengthen neurons or to keep our hearts healthy and protected against stroke. But now a unique property has also been discovered that will greatly help people who suffer from migraines. Do you want to know what are the superpowers of omega 3? Stay with us to find out, whether or not you suffer from this annoying headache.
The potential of omega 3 to combat migraine
Recently, a curious study, done by the National Institutes of Health of the United States and the University of North Carolina and published by The BMJ magazine, has revealed the latest "superpower" of omega 3. This is nothing more and nothing less than relieve the heavy pain of migraines, and even reduce the amount of them.
This evil affects approximately four million Spaniards. If you suffer them, you surely understand perfectly the hassle of which we speak to you. Therefore, it is important that you increase your consumption of omega 3, for example, by taking more fish and seafood. Similarly, it is necessary to reduce the intake of other types of fats.
How was the study developed to discover the superpowers of omega 3?
The study was conducted with 182 adults with a tendency to suffer from migraines. For this, the patients were fed according to an 'American' diet, in which vegetable oils, from corn or soybeans, are rich in linoleic acid; in Spain, on the other hand, the olive oil that contributes oleic acid. After this, the team studied the trigeminal nerve, the most complex of those that run through the skull. The team found a link between a diet low in linoleic acid and high in omega-3s, and the reduction of inflammatory pain.
The dietary intervention lasted for about sixteen weeks. And each participant was randomly assigned a plan out of three possible ones. Some were foods rich in omega-type fatty acids from fish and shellfish, and low in linoleic acid. Other, meals rich in both fatty fish and vegetable oils. Finally, foods rich in linoleic acid but low in omega 3 acid.
The pain is reduced
Participants were required to note how many days a week they suffered from migraines for the duration of the intervention, as well as their intensity, the level of disruption in their daily life, and the need to take pain relievers. The mean at the beginning of the study was established at 16 migraine days per month, with five hours of pain for each episode and a high deterioration of the quality of life despite using a multiple range of medications against headaches.
After changing the diet and with a diet low in linoleic acids and high in fatty fish, it was possible to achieve a reduction of between 30% and 40% hours of pain per day compared to the control group, as well as the number of migraines suffered in the same month.
What are the main sources of omega 3?
The Fish they are the main source of this fat. Salmon and sardines are some of the examples where this healthy acid is found. It also appears in swordfish or sea bass, although they are fish with high levels of mercury and it is recommended that children and pregnant women avoid them. In the same way, if the fish It is not one of your best options or you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, you can also eat other products that provide it such as nuts, seeds, oils o the tofu.
All the migraines They make us lose hours and quality of life and currently do not have an infallible scientific cure, except taking analgesics to calm the pain. Therefore, any news that serves to try to reduce them or alleviate their pain is welcome and very good. So we recommend you try these changes in your diet and check the supposed superpowers of omega 3. We also hope that you tell us the results. Have you heard of this super power before? Do you usually eat foods rich in omega 3?
