by Dr. Mercola
Omega-3 fats were shown several years ago to prevent retinopathy, a major form of blindness. A follow-up study reveals exactly how omega-3’s provide this protection.
Retinopathy is an eye disease caused by leaky blood vessels in the retina. Omega-3 fats are highly concentrated in the retina, where they have a direct effect on blood vessel growth (angiogenesis) that selectively promotes the growth of healthy blood vessels and inhibits abnormal ones.
Science Daily reports:
“[The researchers] isolated the specific compound from omega-3 fatty acids that has these beneficial effects in mice (a metabolite of the omega-3 fatty acid DHA, known as 4-HDHA), and the enzyme that produces it (5-lipoxygenase, or 5-LOX).”
Sources:
Science Daily February 9, 2011
Read the Full Article Here: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/vitalvotes/archive/2011/02/21/how-omega3-fats-prevent-blindness.aspx
Copyright Dr. Joseph Mercola, 2011. All Rights Reserved.