Omega 3 Fat DHA Will Boost Your Immune System

More good news for fish oil fans...

The omega 3 fats found in seafood may boost the immune system, according to new research from Michigan State and ECU. Scientists found that consuming fish oil high in the omega 3 component docosahexaenoic acid (aka DHA) appears to increase activity of immune system cells, specially "B" white blood cells.

Most interestingly, the unique way the DHA appears to boost immune response in mice makes researchers think it may be especially valuable for people with weak immune systems. There is still some doubt about whether or not fish oil supplements and other omega 3 supplements are better than, or even as good as, whole fish and shellfish. But most experts agree consuming fish 2-4 times per week is a good idea for optimal health.

According to Dr Raza Shaikh from East Carolina University:

“This work confirms similar findings on fish oil and B cells from our lab, and moves us one step closer to understanding the immune enhancing properties of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid."

We say: Omega 3 fatty acids may help us live longer, get sick less often, avoid heart disease, and possibly even kill tumors?? We say pass the krill oil!

Learn some mo': Fish Oil Could Boost Immune System, Study Suggests

Belly Fat: Not As Bad As We Thought

Here's a little good news for those of us with big bellies: belly fat may not be as bad for our health as we thought. A new study from Chicago's Loyola University found that abdominal fat appears to help regulate the immune system and also help heal damaged tissue in other parts of the body.

Researchers looked at the unique cells of the omentum -- the network of fatty tissue surrounding vital internal organs -- and found some interesting things that may lead to more effective immunosuppressive drugs and even treatments for autoimmune disorders like Crohn's disease.

Loyola's researchers found that belly fat even contains special types of stem cells called mesenchymal cells. They're able to turn themselves into other important body cells such as lung cells and bone cells. They're also important because they can move to injured areas of the body and help repair damaged tissue by generating fresh cells.

According to study author Makio Iwashima:

"We now have evidence that the omentum is not just fat sitting in the belly."

Still, experts do not suggest trying to increase your stomach fat levels. Most healthy people will have enough (or way more than enough) to get the immune-regulating and tissue-healing benefits of the belly's cells. And with all the known risks of having too much, it's definitely worth the effort to lose belly fat if you have too much of the stuff!

Learn some mo': Belly Fat's Still Bad, but Maybe Not All Bad