Salford Biomedical student has paper published in healthcare journal

MSc Biomedical student Michael Halim’s research investigates the role played by Omega- 3 and Omega- 6 fatty acids in promoting cardio metabolic health.  Michael said: “When we first entered lockdown, I found that my health and overall well-being was affected.  I decided to make use of this time by applying my biomedical knowledge to make a worthwhile contribution to the science and research in this area with the intention of promoting a healthy diet that is essential in reducing the risk of cardiometabolic diseases.

“Existing research indicates a strong link between COVID-19 and cardiovascular disease.  My research takes an in-depth look at the role played by Omega-3 and Omega-6 going down the route of prevention is better than cure.”

 Cardiovascular diseases such as heart failure and Type 2 diabetes are major contributors of death and mortality worldwide. By altering lifestyle habits like smoking, alcohol consumption and poor diet the rate of associated illnesses can be reduced. The research aims to elucidate the purpose of polyunsaturated Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids in enhancing cardiometabolic wellness.

Michael added: “The results of the meta-analysis showed that polyunsaturated fatty acids reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases by restricting vascular inflammation, degrading thrombosis, enhancing the concentration of high-density lipoproteins, and lowering low-density lipoproteins, and lessening the risk determinants affiliated with high blood pressure. Increasing the intake of Omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids by introducing more fish in the diet can help prevent cardiometabolic disease.”

Omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids can be found in fish such as salmon, tuna and mackerel and by introducing this to the diet can help prevent cardiometabolic disease. Therefore, human diets must contain the required amounts of polyunsaturated fats (PUFA) to allow for health benefits in cardio health.