Scientists showed that fish oil combined with exercising is a key factor in losing weight. They pointed out that the omega 3 essential fatty acid stimulates our body to burn fats more quickly: "The omega-3 found in fish oil increases fat-burning ability by improving the flow of blood to muscles during exercise," university researcher and study leader Alison Hill stated for Reuters.

Essential fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats, which are crucial for preserving our health and fighting all kinds of diseases. Essential fatty acids are omega 3 fatty acids and omega 6 fatty acids. Previous studies found that omega fats intake provides our organism with a wide range of benefits, starting with the reducing of cholesterol levels in our blood. Omega 3 acids act also as anti-inflammatory acids that prevent or treat inflammatory disorders such as psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcer colitis and vessel walls inflammations that further lead to the tightening of the arteries.

Omega 3 fatty acids are also very efficient for mental and cognitive performances, enhancing memory and concentration both in individuals and in fetus (when used by pregnant women in their alimentation.)

The group of experts investigated how the body of 68 overweight people acts when given fish oil or sunflower oil in different conditions. The 68 volunteers were split in four groups and observed throughout a three months period. Of the two groups that exercised moderately three times a week, one group were given small doses of fish oil and the other one small doses of sunflower oil regularly. No other alteration was made on their normal diet. The participants in the other two groups were also given fish oil - one group - and sunflower oil - the other group, but they did not exercise at all.

After three months researchers found that only the individuals that were in the group that both exercised and regularly took small dose of fish oil lost weight, an average of two kilos. Volunteers in the other three groups had their weight steady, exactly like the one they had when beginning the study. Sunflower oil does not contain omega 3 fatty acid.

"We were very surprised to see it was so effective, especially since these people were still eating whatever they wanted," the researchers stated.

However, individuals that prefer eating fish to fish oil intake should be aware that not all fish is so beneficial for the heart and for diet. Fried fish, for example, has no effect upon our health. On the other hand, boiled or baked fish dishes do wonders to our physical condition.