Parents foisting cod-liver oil on their kids in generations gone by may have had good health-related foresight. Cod-liver oil is rich in omega-3 fats. And a recent study of the Yup’ik Eskimos in Alaska, who subsist on a diet high in omega-3 fats, show a lower incidence of obesity-related diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.

Researchers from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center studied a community of 330 individuals in the Yukon Kuskokwim Delta region of southwest Alaska. Seventy percent of the population was overweight or obese. Despite this, it was found that obese individuals with high blood levels of omega-3 fats had triglyceride and C-reactive protein that weren’t much different from normal-weight individuals. Triglycerides and CRPs are linked with an increase in a risk of heart disease and diabetes.

Furthermore, Yup’ik Eskimos’ overweight/obesity levels are similar to those in the U.S. overall. However, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in this population was significantly lower; 3.3 percent as opposed to 7.7 percent nationwide.

Researchers caution, however, that the results of this, or similar, studies shouldn’t drive overweight and obese individuals to their local health food store to buy, and imbibe in, cod liver oil or omega-3 pills in an effort to prevent weight-related disease. Rather, an increase in intake of fatty fish, such as salmon, is a good idea, as part of a sensible eating program. Furthermore, weight reduction is always helpful when it comes to boosting heart health and lowering the risk of diabetes.

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center conducted the study in collaboration with the Center for Alaska Native Health Research at the University of Alaska-Fairbanks. The study was published online in the March 23 issue of European Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

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Study links omega-3-rich diet with reduced risk of obesity-related disease

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