The Yup’ik Eskimos of Alaska and Far East Russia eat a very high-fat diet from fish, yet have very little cardiovascular disease (CVD).
Researchers took blood samples from 357 Yup’ik Eskimos and found, as expected, high levels of the omega-3s eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
Doctors also found low levels of inflammation (C-reactive protein), low total triglyceride fats, and high HDL, the “good” cholesterol. Doctors believe CVD and diabetes are rare in the Yup’ik because EPA and DHA levels are high, and that Americans can reduce chronic disease by increasing intake of omega-3s.