fish oil infused vegetables
May 20, 2004 -- A fishy salad may not sound appetizing, but your heart may thank you for it.
British researchers say they've discovered a way to make vegetables even better for you by altering them to produce heart-healthy fish oils, known as omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids.
Omega-3 fatty acids are commonly found in cold-water fish such as tuna and salmon, and omega-6 fatty acids are found in certain plant oils such as canola and olive oils. These fatty acids have been shown to promote healthy cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease, and researchers say they are also vital to infantbrain and eye development.
In the study, published in current edition of Nature Biotechnology, researchers introduced genes from two algae and one mushroom into a cress plant that allowed the plant to produce both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
Researchers say since known sources of these heart-healthy oils are limited, it's important to find alternative sources for them.
"The accumulation of [these fatty acids] in transgenic plants is a breakthrough in the search for alternative sustainable sources of fish oils," write researcher Baoxiu Qi, of the University of Bristol, and colleagues.
But don't look for fish-oil infused salads at the market yet. Researchers say the next set will be to incorporate these fish oil-bearing properties into oil seed crops, which would allow for an economically viable source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
A Fishy Salad for Better Heart Health?
May 20, 2004 -- A fishy salad may not sound appetizing, but your heart may thank you for it.
British researchers say they've discovered a way to make vegetables even better for you by altering them to produce heart-healthy fish oils, known as omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids.
Omega-3 fatty acids are commonly found in cold-water fish such as tuna and salmon, and omega-6 fatty acids are found in certain plant oils such as canola and olive oils. These fatty acids have been shown to promote healthy cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease, and researchers say they are also vital to infantbrain and eye development.
Fishing Around for Healthier Plants
In the study, published in current edition of Nature Biotechnology, researchers introduced genes from two algae and one mushroom into a cress plant that allowed the plant to produce both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
Researchers say since known sources of these heart-healthy oils are limited, it's important to find alternative sources for them.
"The accumulation of [these fatty acids] in transgenic plants is a breakthrough in the search for alternative sustainable sources of fish oils," write researcher Baoxiu Qi, of the University of Bristol, and colleagues.
But don't look for fish-oil infused salads at the market yet. Researchers say the next set will be to incorporate these fish oil-bearing properties into oil seed crops, which would allow for an economically viable source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
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