Omega-3 fatty acids have been linked to a laundry list of benefits, from fighting heart disease and Alzheimer’s to staving off type 2 diabetes. But a recent study published in the Journal of Physiology found that they also influence protein metabolism. In a study on steer, researchers added supplements of either omega-3s from fish oil or a mixture of cottonseed and olive oils without omega-3s to the regular diet of the animals.
After five weeks, those receiving fish oil showed increased sensitivity to insulin, which in turn, improved muscle development. Twice the amount of amino acids were used by their bodies to build new protein tissues, especially in skeletal muscles. If you don’t eat enough seafood or you’re concerned with mercury, consider taking a daily omega-3 supplement that supplies about 1,000 mg of DHA and EPA combined.