New Delhi, October 30, 2020–A new study published in the Journal
of the American College of Cardiology found that regular
consumption of foods rich in omega-3 eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), found in
marine foods like fatty fish, and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), found in plant
foods like walnuts, was associated with improved outcomes in individuals who suffered a heart attack, including
decreased risk of death. Additionally, the consumption of both ALA and EPA
provided the greatest benefit, suggesting a synergistic effect and unique protective qualities when both types of omega-3 are
consumed.
The observational study, supported
by the California Walnut Commission and reinforced by an editorial in the same
publication entitled “A
Revolution in Omega-3 Fatty Acid Research,”included 944 participants
who experienced a very serious heart attack in which
one of the heart's major arteries was blocked.
Clinicians refer to this as a ST-segment
elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), but consumers may be more familiar
with the term “widow-maker” heart attack.
A lead researcher in the study, Dr.
Aleix Sala-Vila, Research Associate at IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research
Institute) and Barcelona βeta Brain Research Center, explains, “Heart attacks
are still very common, and aside from treatments to keep the patient alive,
researchers have been exploring approaches to secure the quality of life of the
patient after the heart attack. What is novel about this research is that it
shows that ALA and EPA appear to be partners in improving the long-term
outcomes of heart attack sufferers. Consuming both marine and plant-based
omega-3s, from foods like salmon, a walnut, and flaxseed, seems to offer the
greatest protection.”
The patients in this study, whose
mean age was 61 and were made up of 78% men, had their blood taken during
hospital admission. The researchers then determined the level of omega-3s in
their blood,a reliable way to establish the intake of omega-3s during the weeks
leading up to the heart attack. Next, they explored whether those with higher
blood levels of omega-3s at the time of the heart attack were at decreased risk
of suffering complications during a three-year follow-up period.
Specifically, the researchers found that those who
showed higher blood levels of ALA were at decreased risk of three-year
all-cause mortality. Also, those with higher levels of EPA were at decreased
risk of death or needing hospital readmission for cardiovascular reasons.
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) is the leading
cause of mortality in India. This epidemiological transition is largely because of the increase
in the prevalence of CVDs and CVD risk factors in India. In 2016, the estimated
prevalence of CVDs in India was estimated to be 54.5 million. One in 4 deaths
in India are now because of CVDs with ischemic heart disease and stroke
responsible for >80% of this burden. These diseases tend to affect patients
in the most productive years of their lives and result in catastrophic social
and economic consequences.
Commenting on the outcomes,
Padmashri Dr. Mohsin Wali, Eminent Cardiologist said, “Walnuts have long been
recognized as a heart-healthy food1 firstly backed by more than
thirty years of research showing positive outcomes related to cardiovascular
health such as cholesterol, blood pressure, inflammation, endothelial function
and plaque formation. Walnuts are also the only tree nut with an excellent
source of plant omega-3 ALA, providing 2.5 grams per 28 grams. In order to live
a healthy life, one must make changes in the diet, by pledging to eat fruits
and vegetables at every meal and choose snacks and recipes with heart-healthy
ingredients such as walnuts. Adding 28 grams or a handful to the daily diet
regime is a critical component for a healthy happy heart.”
While these results are encouraging,
they do not prove cause and effect. Additional research is needed to determine
whether EPA and ALA intake specifically contributed to the outcomes, or if
other factors like socio-economic status, education, and pharmacologic
treatments also had an effect.Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, another omega-3 supplied
by fatty fish) was not part of this study.
The California Walnut Commission (CWC)
supported this research. The CWC has supported health-related research on
walnuts for more than 30 years with the intent to provide knowledge and
understanding of the unique health benefits associated with consuming walnuts.
While the CWC does provide funds and/or walnuts for various projects, all
studies are conducted independently by researchers who design the experiments,
interpret the results and present evidence-based conclusions. The CWC is
committed to scientific integrity of industry-funded research.
The
California walnut industry is made up of over 4,800 growers and more than 90
handlers (processors). The growers and handlers are represented by two
entities, the California Walnut Board (CWB) and the California Walnut
Commission (CWC).
California
Walnut Commission
The
California Walnut Commission, established in 1987, is funded by mandatory
assessments of the growers. The CWC represents over 4,800 growers and
approximately 90 handlers (processors) of California walnuts in export market
development activities and conducts health research. The CWC is an agency of
the State of California that works in concurrence with the Secretary of the
California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA).
1Supportive
but not conclusive research shows that eating 1.5 ounces of walnuts per day, as
part of a low saturated fat and low cholesterol diet and not resulting in
increased caloric intake, may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. (FDA)
One ounce of walnuts offers 18g of total fat, 2.5g of monounsaturated fat, 13g
of polyunsaturated fat including 2.5g of alpha-linolenic acid- the plant-based
omega-3.
