Omega-3s may prevent osteoporosis

Widely recognized for their ability to reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes and cancer, omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFA) may also help preserve bone mineral density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. In the study of more than 1,532 men and women, researchers found that a higher ratio of omega-6 fatty acids to omega-3 fatty acids was associated with reduced bone density; those subjects who had a more balanced ratio between the two—and a higher relative intake of omega-3 fatty acids—had a higher bone density measure. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fatty fish like salmon, tuna and sardines, ground flax seeds, walnuts and almonds, dark leafy greens and fish oil supplements.

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition