Fish oil is known to be one of the healthiest ways to obtain omega-3 fatty acids. DHA and EPA, two of the most studied omega-3-fatty acids, have numerous health benefits; they decrease triglycerides, blood pressure, atherosclerosis, and heart rate. Essentially, they decrease the adverse effects of low density lipids (LDLs) in the body by aiding HDL (high density lipid) activity.

The main sources of omega-3 fatty acids are fish such as salmon, herring, and sardines and fish oil capsules. However, there are concerns about these sources as well: they are unusable for vegetarians and the high mercury content in fish prevents a lot of people, especially women, from obtaining the advantages of omega-3-fatty acids.

Luckily, Dr. William Harris, professor of medicine at Sanford School of Medicine, chief of cardiovascular health research, has discovered alternative sources for heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.

His research used biotechnology to promote the conversion of ALA (another type of omega-3 fatty acid) to SDA within the soybean plant. While the human body is inefficient in converting ALA to SDA, it is easily able to convert SDA to the more accessible omega 3-fatty acid EPA. Thus, by forcing the soybean plant to make SDA it becomes a more effective dietary source of omega 3-fatty acids.

Three groups of double blind study participants tested the effectiveness of the modified soybeans. The control group only received normal soybean oil, one group received EPA and normal soybean oil, and the last group received the SDA modified soybeans and normal soybean oil.

At the end of the study, the researchers determined that individuals who took SDA modified soybeans had as much EPA level increases as those who took EPA modified soybeans, an indication that SDA was quickly converted to EPA. ALA modified soybeans had little effect on EPA levels in the blood. SDA and EPA also helped to reduce triglycerides up to 30% in the blood, significant from control.

This study may have significance for millions of people, since atherosclerosis is the number one cause of deaths in the U.S. As a bonus, soybeans are readily available everywhere and are much cheaper to consume than seafood.

Discussion Question: Are there other natural sources of omega-3 fatty acids in the plant world? What plants do you think can be modified like the soybeans?

News Article: http://health.usnews.com/articles
Interview: http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1115777383567