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Researchers struggled to find an explanation for this incredible phenomenon. Finally, they realized the answer to their question: the Greenland Eskimo diet was rich in cold-water fish. Omega-3 fatty acids are commonly found in cold-water fish and are necessary for human health, but the body cannot make these essential fatty acids on its own. Omega-3 fatty acids have been studied extensively for their contribution in alleviating pain and inflammation. They have also been implicated in helping with other problems such as heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic inflammatory bowel disease and certain neurological diseases. Additionally, there is evidence that omega-3 fatty acids likely play a necessary role in child development. (L.S. Sperling, American Heart Journal Volume 151, Issue 3, March 2006, Pages 564-570)
For over three decades, researchers have been studying the cellular effects of the omega-3 and omega 6 fatty acids, resulting in several hundred research publications. The omega fatty acids work at the cellular level to reduce inflammation and repair tissue injury.
The process of inflammation involves the synthesis of inflammatory lipid molecules called prostaglandins and leukotrienes; these molecules are part of a larger class of pro-inflammatory molecules known as eicosanoids. Arachidonic acid is an omega-6 fatty acid found in the lipid membranes of cells that is converted by the body into these pro-inflammatory molecules. Research shows that omega-3 fatty acids can also be precursors to eicosanoids. However, the eicosanoids produced from omega-3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory rather than the pro-inflammatory. Thus, increasing the amount of omega 3 fatty acids compared to omega 6, results in a reduction of inflammation.
In studies of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, research has shown that omega-3 fatty acid supplementation reduced the levels of leukotrienes released from cells and also reduced the amount of another pro-inflammatory molecule, interleukin-1. Other studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids may decrease the production of NF-κB which is the transcription factor that controls the genes associated with inflammatory molecules.
NF-κB is found to be chronically active in many inflammatory diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis and cancer. Therefore, it seems that these naturally produced omega-3 fatty acids are blocking the inflammatory process before it even begins. In other words, omega-3 fatty acids are essentially putting water on the fire and extinguishing it before it starts.
Finally, recent studies at Harvard medical school from Dr. Serhan’s group have demonstrated a synergism between omega-3 fatty acids and aspirin. When omega-3 fatty acids are in the presence of aspirin, they form a very potent newly identified anti-inflammatory compound, resolvin-1. Small doses of resolvin-1 are extremely potent anti-inflammatory mediators. Aspirin and omega-3 fatty acids are of course, Oprava’s formula.