Eating Oily Fish can Protect Women against Endometriosis and Infertility

Harvard study published in 'Human Reproduction' journal suggests that eating a diet full of oily fish can protect women from endometriosis and infertility. This study was the largest to have researched the link between diet and endometriosis; it was carried out over the course of 12 years on 70,000 nurses. The research suggests that women who ate most oily fish, known to be high in omega 3 fatty acids were at lower risk to develop endometriosis known to cause infertility, for as much as 22%.

Long-chain Omega-3 fatty acids are found mostly in oily fish such as tuna, salmon, mackerel. Omega-3 fatty acids have been linked to reduced heart disease risk. In the study, the highest contributor towards endometriosis was mayonnaise and full-fat salad dressing, followed by fatty fish such as tuna, salmon and mackerel. On the other hand, women who consumed chemically altered vegetable oils which comes from foods that are heavily laden with harmful trans fats (snacks like mayonnaise, full-fat salad dressing, chips, cakes, biscuits etc) were almost 50% more at risk of developing endometriosis. Study also found the total amount of fat consumed did not matter, the type did. Millions of women all over the world suffer from endometriosis and finding a link between diet and endometriosis is a great step in treating infertility.

This finding suggest there is something they can do for themselves: take care of your nutrition. Eliminate trans fats and include long chair omega 3 fatty acids (more oily fish) into your diet. This study needs to be confirmed by further research, but it gives a string indication that foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids might protect from endometriosis, while trans fats rich foods might lead to the development of the disease. Gynaecologist Dr Stacey Missmer, of Harvard Medical School, Boston, said next step should be confirming the findings, followed by a research whether dietary intervention rich in Omega 3 oils can relieve symptoms in women who already have endometriosis.